# AI shift drives surge in data center construction, energy demand to double by 2030 > Source: > Published: 2026-09-13 10:05:47+00:00 Silicon Valley’s shift towards resource-intensive AI agents is leading to a significant increase in data center construction, according to a report from Wired. The move from traditional chatbots to more complex AI systems capable of planning and executing tasks has increased the demand for high-density computing infrastructure. As AI agents are estimated to be significantly more energy-intensive than current AI tools, this shift is driving a surge in electricity demand, with global data-center consumption projected to double by 2030. The trend suggests a fierce race among tech companies to innovate and support the development of these advanced AI models. ## Key Takeaways - The report suggests a significant increase in data center construction as a result of the shift to AI agents. - Market behavior appears consistent with increased competition and innovation in AI models, potentially benefitting companies like Anthropic. - The rise in energy demands highlights the growing infrastructure needs for supporting advanced AI technologies. ## What to Watch Observers should monitor announcements from key tech players such as Anthropic, [Google](https://cryptobriefing.com/markets/alphabet/), and [Meta](https://cryptobriefing.com/markets/meta/), as they compete to develop the leading AI model by the end of October 2026. Developments in AI infrastructure and energy management could be crucial in determining which company leads the market. Given the potential for innovation, shifts in market pricing may indicate which companies are gaining an edge in this competitive landscape. *Get live prediction-market analysis, powered by Vera. [Sign up for Vera](https://vera.cryptobriefing.com/?utm_source=cryptobriefing&utm_medium=pm_article&utm_campaign=vera_launch).*