# BlackRock Highlights 148 GW Power Need in AI Infrastructure Buildout By Simon Yoon Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/25258 Published: 2026-09-29T09:46:16.000Z Updated: 2026-09-29T09:46:16.000Z Section: Technology > The estimate’s geographic scope is unspecified, while a BlackRock survey found EMEA investors favored energy providers and infrastructure companies for AI exposure. BlackRock is highlighting electricity generation and data-center infrastructure alongside chips and software as artificial-intelligence investment themes, estimating that 148 gigawatts (GW) of additional capacity will be needed by the end of the decade for data-center demand. The geographic scope of the 148-GW estimate is unspecified. BlackRock’s accompanying chart covers 2025 through 2030 and is labeled a forecast of U.S. power demand. The firm compares the estimate with approximately 42 GW of power capacity consumed by data centers in 2025. “The ecosystem is adapting, and power generation is only part of the adjustment,” BlackRock said. AI infrastructure also depends on semiconductors, equipment, labor, data centers and large amounts of power. Developers are addressing grid constraints by adding generation near computing facilities through models known as “Behind the Meter” or “Bring Your Own Power.” BlackRock’s Investment Institute described the trend in its 2026 outlook as an energy race, saying, “AI is highly energy-intensive, making the global AI race also an energy race.” Institutional investors in EMEA showed interest in the physical infrastructure supporting AI before the latest outlook. Of 732 submissions collected as of Nov. 26, 2025, 54% selected energy and power providers as a compelling way to gain AI exposure, while 37% selected infrastructure. Respondents could choose multiple answers. AI adopters or beneficiaries received 33% of selections, followed by semiconductor manufacturers at 22% and U.S. mega-cap technology companies at 20%. The findings broaden the AI investment discussion to the systems needed to operate data centers, including electricity generation, grid connections, cooling, equipment and facilities. BlackRock identifies gas turbines, solar power, fuel cells, batteries and on-site generation as potential ways to expand supply. The infrastructure theme also builds on BlackRock’s earlier view that [AI investment is increasing demand for capital](). ## Links in this article - [AI investment is increasing demand for capital](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/investing/23384)