PWC: Global investment in AI infrastructure to hit US$31.6 trillion through 2050

 

• PwC projects US$31.6 trillion in capital expenditure through 2050 to build the compute capacity needed for AI
• Annual data centre capital expenditure is forecast to rise from roughly US$800 billion per year in 2026 to $1.8 trillion per year in 2050
• Recurring chip upgrades—not construction—will drive the majority of long-term capital investment
• Power will be the decisive factor shaping where AI infrastructure investment flows
• Disrupted trade flows for chips could cut global investment by nearly 20%, while a growing sovereignty push would redistribute rather than reduce global investment
• https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/news-room/press-releases/2026/global-investment-in-ai-infrastructure.html