Satellite and drone images reveal big delays in US data center construction

Satellite and drone imagery, combined with permit and project data, suggests nearly 40% of US data center projects may miss their scheduled completion dates.

Major builds from Microsoft, Oracle, and OpenAI are running more than three months behind because of labor, power, equipment, and permitting constraints.

The delays could slow AI capacity rollout and highlight how electricity, labor, supply chains, and local approvals are becoming major sector bottlenecks.