Research note
Power for AI: the megawatt as a compute unit
Grid connection, generation, switchgear and cooling can set the pace of AI scaling.
Updated 04 Sep 2026AGI RESEARCH SYSTEM + HUMAN REVIEW
Deliverable power
An announced gigawatt is not a usable load without transmission, substations, permits and cooling.
Backlog over press release
A data-center announcement becomes evidence after PPAs, interconnect approvals and equipment orders.
The power sleeve
ETN, VRT, CEG, GEV and PWR own different parts of the same megawatt constraint.