The growth of digital infrastructure is bringing closer attention to the resources needed to support construction. In its 2025 Energy and AI report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that global investment in data centers reached half a trillion dollars in 2024, nearly double the level in 2022. As investment grows, the availability of people, equipment, and supporting infrastructure may warrant greater consideration in project planning.
Electricity supply is one part of that picture. The same IEA report estimated that around 20% of planned data center projects could face delays unless risks involving the electricity system were addressed. This suggests that construction timelines may depend partly on infrastructure developments beyond an individual developer’s immediate control.
Workforce availability also deserves consideration. The 2025 AGC/NCCER Workforce Survey found that 92% of construction companies hiring workers reported difficulty filling open positions. While the findings reflect the broader construction industry, they provide useful context for considering the staffing needs of complex projects.
Taken together, these findings suggest that owners and developers may benefit from reviewing how project plans account for available resources. Funding, staffing, and electricity connections may not progress at the same pace. Allowing for those differences early could help teams develop schedules that more closely reflect the conditions in which they expect to build.
Dana Wells, CEO of EPC Consultants, describes the construction consultancy’s work as helping owners understand project risks and improve coordination. Across semiconductor, data center, and advanced-manufacturing projects, Wells believes management practices need to evolve alongside the facilities being built. “Projects are moving at a faster pace, while teams are working with fewer resources,” Wells observes.
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