American Cement Association forecasts significant cement demand for AI infrastructure
Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
A report released today by the American Cement Association’s (ACA) market intelligence team predicts the US will need approximately 1 million metric t of cement to construct data centres that will house Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology over the next few years. Data centres are typically built with high volumes of concrete due to their unique design considerations.
Analysts also found that over the past decade, inflation-adjusted spending on data centers has grown by nearly 850%, with a 55% jump last year alone. By 2027, forecasters expect the number of data centres in the US to reach 6000. Currently, there are 5426. Annual spending on data centres is now around US$27.4 billion.
“President Trump has said he’s determined to make the US the global leader in AI, and America’s cement manufacturers want to provide the materials to build the infrastructure necessary to make that possible,” said Mike Ireland, ACA’s President and CEO.
“Such facilities are engineered primarily for function and resilience. Concrete – made with cement – is the optimal construction material, as it is fire resistant, offers thermal stability, provides unparalleled physical security, and has long-term structural integrity. There really is no other viable material for such an important nationwide effort.”
Other findings included in the ACA report include:
- Data centres accounted for 4.4% of total US electricity consumption in 2023 and could consume between 7% and 12% by 2028.
- Virtually every state will benefit from data centre construction over the next three years. However, there are a few states that far exceed the rest in anticipated projects over the next three years. In descending order, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, and Ohio are all positioned to benefit from data centre expansion.
- In 2014, data centres accounted for just under 4% of office-related construction spending; by 2024 they surpassed 26% and are on track to reach 38.6% by 2027.
- Data centres directly bolster construction but also indirectly support economic and construction activity, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. The multiplier effect results in more retail, utility, infrastructure, and housing construction. Furthermore, the presence of data centres can attract technology firms and service providers, fostering a regional ecosystem of innovation, talent, and support industries.
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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/20062025/american-cement-association-forecasts-significant-cement-demand-for-ai-infrastructure/
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