Tech Companies' Capital Expenditure Reached Over $400 Billion in 2025, Set to Increase 75% in 2026
Capital expenditure by the largest tech companies exceeded $400 billion in 2025, driven by investments in data centers. This spending is projected to rise by 75% in 2026. Additionally, global spending on AI now surpasses investment in oil and natural gas production.
This figure is expected to grow by 75% in 2026, according to the IEA.
The IEA also stated that current spending on artificial intelligence exceeds global investment in oil and natural gas production. This shift highlights changes in investment priorities between technology and traditional energy sectors.
center investments support expanding computational needs for AI and other technologies. The IEA's data indicates a trend where tech-related expenditures are outpacing those in fossil fuel extraction. Further details on exact figures or specific companies were not provided in the report.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026
Capital expenditure from largest tech companies is set to increase by 75%.
1 source@IEA - 2025
Capital expenditure from largest tech companies reached more than $400 billion, driven by data center investments.
1 source@IEA - Current
Spending on AI exceeds global investment in oil and natural gas production.
1 source@IEA
Potential Impact
- 01
Tech sector growth may accelerate due to increased data center capacity.
- 02
AI development could advance faster with higher funding levels.
- 03
Energy demands from data centers could rise, affecting global power usage.
- 04
Investment in oil and gas production might face comparative declines.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
A derivative work by MaesterTonberry from a variety of images credited above. / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)White House Projects $529 Billion in Potential Savings Over Decade From Trump-Era Drug Pricing Policy
White House economists projected $529 billion in savings over the next decade from agreements President Donald Trump reached with pharmaceutical companies. The analysis also forecasts $64.3 billion in Medicaid savings and up to $733 billion if the framework expands.
rte.ieNext Retailer Offsets Higher Fuel Costs With Savings and Selective Price Increases
Average U.S. gasoline retail prices exceeded $4.50 per gallon amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the late February outbreak of Middle East conflict. Next plc will raise prices by up to 8 percent in some markets outside Europe from May to offset £47 million in added fu…
thehindu.comWTI Crude Drops Over 11% to $90 on Reports of U.S.-Iran Preliminary Agreement
ZeroHedge reported WTI futures plunged more than 11 percent following Axios reports of a preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement to end the war. National gasoline averages reached $4.50 per gallon as of Wednesday morning, the highest since July 2022, while the Trump administration seeks…