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AI Buildout Hits Power Limits as Big Tech Defends Spending and New Workarounds Emerge

Investors are beginning to log real returns, with companies also formalizing AI risk warnings.

Overview

  • Reporting highlights mounting physical constraints on scale, with transformer capacity largely booked through 2028 and GE Vernova’s CEO warning U.S. power needs will take 10–15 years to meet.
  • Meta’s Alex Schultz says the company’s heavy AI outlays are not out of control, pointing to about $72 billion this year and early revenue gains from improved recommendations and new AI features.
  • Morgan Stanley finds 15% of S&P 500 companies now report quantifiable AI benefits, led by tech, with communications and financials also showing measurable gains.
  • AlphaSense data shows 418 U.S.-listed firms valued over $1 billion have added AI-related risk factors in SEC filings, a 46% rise from 2024, citing reputational, security and operational concerns.
  • Elon Musk proposes annually launching solar-powered AI satellites targeting 100 gigawatts of capacity and says Neuralink has implanted devices in more than 10 patients who can now communicate at near normal speeds.