Google is significantly investing in data centers, raising $85 billion to fund their infrastructure expansion amid various challenges like supply-chain issues and power constraints. Analysts highlight Google's strategy of securing its own energy sources and shifting computing loads as critical to overcoming these obstacles faster than competitors. In related news, the US faces a delay in the data-center build-out plan for 2027, with 60% of planned capacity not yet under construction. Additionally, other articles cover topics like DIY solar solutions for reducing electric bills, and a country providing free ChatGPT access to students.

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https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/googles-unique-approach-to-getting-data-centers-built-2cfae652

Google’s Unique Approach to Getting Data Centers Built

Plus, a DIY solar hack to save on electric bills, a country fights teen brain rot with free ChatGPT and Apple’s plans for a Siri-led AI comeback

Katherine Blunt

June 7, 2026 8:28 am ET

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A Google data center complex in GeorgiaMike Stewart/Associated Press

This is an edition of the WSJ Technology newsletter, a weekly digest of tech columns, big stories and personal tech advice. If you’re not subscribed, sign up here.

Google is spending big on data centers—and investors are here for it.

Its parent company, Alphabet, sent ripples through markets this week with a plan to raise $85 billion in equity, largely to fund its infrastructure buildout. It had initially planned to raise $80 billion, but an effort to sell shares generated more investor interest than expected, the company said.

There is no shortage of challenges for tech giants seeking to connect massive data centers to the grid. Supply-chain backlogs, permitting fights and power-supply constraints are among the issues that have caused data-center construction to fall behind targeted timelines. A JPMorgan analysis last month found that more than 60% of data-center capacity planned for completion in 2027 isn’t yet under construction, and another 7% is delayed.

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Google, however, is developing one of the more sophisticated strategies to clear the hurdles, particularly with its ability to secure the huge amounts of energy AI infrastructure requires. Analysts and power-industry experts say the company’s strategy of securing its own power sources and its ability to shift computing loads to follow power supply could allow it to get its data centers connected to the grid faster than competitors.

Google this year paid $4.75 billion to acquire Intersect, a wind and solar developer that in recent years pivoted to building such projects to support data centers. The companies this week announced plans to build a new data center in the Texas Panhandle that will have its own power generation alongside it.

Ultimately, being able to build data centers—and not just raise money for it—may be what decides the winners in the AI race.

—Katherine Blunt is a tech reporter based in San Franisco.

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