The IEA forecasts US investment in coal and gas-fired generation will reach $50
billion this year, about $3 billion more than China. The increase is driven by a
surge in gas-turbine orders and sharp price rises as demand outstrips
manufacturing capacity. US customers ordered roughly 20 GW of gas turbines in Q1
2026. Modern AI data centres require 1 GW to several GW of power each—about the
consumption of a Western city—adding material demand pressure for new thermal
capacity.
