Data Center Demand Surges, DOE Loan Fuels Rare Earth Investment

Energy briefs cover tech power needs, government financing, and global oil market shifts

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A roundup of recent energy industry developments includes a 220% projected growth in data center power demand, a record $26.5 billion Department of Energy loan for new energy projects, and a $1.25 billion rare earth magnet factory planned for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The news also covers regulatory actions, corporate financing moves, and global oil market dynamics involving Russia, the U.S., and NATO.

Why it matters

The rapid growth in data center power needs, major federal investments in energy infrastructure, and the race to build up domestic rare earth production capacity all reflect broader trends shaping the future of the energy sector. These developments have implications for consumers, businesses, and geopolitics.

The details

Tech companies are expected to sign a 'ratepayer protection pledge' at the White House next week, as Goldman Sachs forecasts a 220% surge in data center power demand by 2030. The Department of Energy, meanwhile, made its largest-ever $26.5 billion loan to support new gas, nuclear, and hydroelectric projects in the Southeast. Separately, rare earth producer MP Materials announced plans for a $1.25 billion magnet factory in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a major investment to challenge China's dominance in this critical mineral supply chain.

  • Tech executives are expected at the White House next week to sign the 'ratepayer protection pledge'.
  • Goldman Sachs projects a 220% increase in data center power demand between 2023 and 2030.
  • The Department of Energy's $26.5 billion loan will support new energy projects in Georgia and Alabama.
  • MP Materials plans to build its $1.25 billion rare earth magnet factory near Fort Worth by 2026.

The players

President Trump

The U.S. President who called for tech executives to sign a 'ratepayer protection pledge' during the State of the Union address.

Goldman Sachs

A global investment bank that has updated its analysis to forecast a 220% growth in data center power demand by 2030.

Department of Energy

The U.S. government agency that made its largest-ever $26.5 billion loan to support new energy projects in the Southeast.

MP Materials

A rare earth production company that announced plans to build a $1.25 billion magnet factory near Fort Worth, Texas.

Chevron

An oil and gas company that was fined $1.75 million by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission for a well blowout last year.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the Chevron case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the company to pay the $1.75 million penalty.

The takeaway

The energy industry is grappling with surging data center power needs, major federal investments in new energy infrastructure, and a global race to build up domestic rare earth production capacity - all of which are shaping the future of the sector with implications for consumers, businesses, and geopolitics.