Texas-based TRG Datacenters published a 2026 report ranking 24 states where AI infrastructure is already in development, measuring which states appear most ready for artificial intelligence-supporting data centers. The report says tech companies betting on AI are expected to spend more than $600 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, while some communities and states are trying to curb rapid data center growth and some policymakers see the facilities as an economic development opportunity.

TRG Datacenters says specialized data centers dedicated to AI began emerging as a distinct class in about 2024. These facilities differ from earlier data centers because they use significantly more computational power and require much greater electricity supplies. The ranking uses each state’s data center power capacity, the share of state electricity used by the facilities, estimated CO2 emissions and the percentage of facilities in areas with water constraints.

The report gives higher relative “readiness” scores to states with high power capacity and lower environmental impacts. It compares power demand by ranking states according to the percentage of total state electricity consumed by AI data centers. It also examines whether facilities are sited in places where water scarcity is an issue.

TRG Datacenters says siting determines environmental impact. The report states that a state can host substantial AI infrastructure with modest environmental cost if facilities are placed on a clean grid in a water-secure basin, while a small amount of infrastructure can carry high cost if placed poorly.

Texas-based TRG Datacenters published a 2026 report ranking 24 states where AI infrastructure is already in development, measuring which states appear most ready for artificial intelligence-supporting data centers. The report says tech companies betting on AI are expected to spend more than $600 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, while some communities and states are trying to curb rapid data center growth and some policymakers see the facilities as an economic development opportunity.

TRG Datacenters says specialized data centers dedicated to AI began emerging as a distinct class in about 2024. These facilities differ from earlier data centers because they use significantly more computational power and require much greater electricity supplies. The ranking uses each state’s data center power capacity, the share of state electricity used by the facilities, estimated CO2 emissions and the percentage of facilities in areas with water constraints.

The report gives higher relative “readiness” scores to states with high power capacity and lower environmental impacts. It compares power demand by ranking states according to the percentage of total state electricity consumed by AI data centers. It also examines whether facilities are sited in places where water scarcity is an issue.

TRG Datacenters says siting determines environmental impact. The report states that a state can host substantial AI infrastructure with modest environmental cost if facilities are placed on a clean grid in a water-secure basin, while a small amount of infrastructure can carry high cost if placed poorly.