Global investors pour $580B into data centers in 2025—surpassing spending on new oil supplies. Learn why digital infrastructure is the new gold rush.
Matilda
Data Centers Now Attract More Investment Than Oil
Why Data Centers Now Attract More Investment Than Oil A global shift in capital priorities has begun. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers now attract more investment than finding new oil supplies. In 2025 alone, global spending on data centers is projected to reach $580 billion , outpacing investments in oil exploration by $40 billion . This massive redirection of funds signals that digital infrastructure , not fossil fuel discovery, is driving modern economies. With AI, cloud computing, and streaming services demanding ever more power, data centers have become the backbone of the digital era. Image Credits:Bloomberg / Getty Images How Energy Demand Shapes Data Center Investment The IEA’s report highlights a startling trend: electricity consumption from AI-driven data centers could grow fivefold by 2030 . Nearly half of this increase will occur in the U.S., followed by Europe and China. These regions are seeing rapid construction of massive data facilities—some ex…
