Morgan Stanley’s forecast would require data center developers to add more IT capacity by 2030 than the world is expected to have at the end of 2026, testing power and financing limits.
The bank estimates worldwide IT capacity at 136 gigawatts by the end of 2026. Its projection of 316 GW for 2030 implies about 180 GW of additions over the following four years, or about 23% compound annual growth.
Both figures are forward-looking estimates. Limited access to electricity, rising construction costs and tighter financing could slow development.
Morgan Stanley’s separate U.S. analysis estimates a 32-gigawatt power gap by 2028. That calculation allows for potential electricity from nuclear power, gas turbines and fuel cells. The U.S. estimate concerns power supply for developers; the worldwide forecast projects IT capacity.
The earlier analysis also found that power delays could leave U.S. cloud operators waiting to use graphics processors they have already bought. If customers cannot put that equipment to work, suppliers could face postponed deliveries or canceled orders.
