Sky News Daily Is the AI bubble about to burst?
10 snips
Oct 21, 2025 Ed Conway, Sky News' Economics and Data Editor, dives into the critical role of data centres in fueling the AI boom in the US. He reveals their massive energy consumption and the challenges they pose to the power grid. Conway compares the current situation to the dot-com bubble, highlighting concerns about market overheating and reliance on limited resources. He also explores the job landscape, noting that while data centres create construction jobs, they may not provide long-term employment opportunities. A fascinating look into the future of AI and infrastructure!
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Data Centres Looming Over Dulles Airport
- Ed Conway described seeing vast, warehouse-like data centres around Dulles Airport with pylons and substations everywhere.
- He noted these sites are heavily guarded and critical to the internet and national security.
Data Centres Drive Massive Power Use
- Loudoun County's data centres consume about 4.9 gigawatts, more than Denmark, and consumption has trebled in six years.
- Ed argued that AI accounted for roughly 90% of recent US economic growth, making data centres central to the economy.
Power Limits Could Cap AI Ambitions
- Ed stressed there is no AI without data centres and no data centres without power, making energy supply a core constraint.
- He warned that insufficient power capacity could limit AI's future ambitions.