AI needs more power, faster than America has ever built it.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
AI needs more power, faster than America has ever built it.
Power Play is a six-part investigation from Quartz into the bottlenecks, the fixes, and the economics at the core of AI development. All six episodes are out now.
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How Long Does $1.5M Last If It’s All in a 401(k)?
Having $1.5 million saved puts you ahead of most Americans. But if most of it sits in a traditional 401(k) or IRA, withdrawals are generally taxed as income, and that changes how far it goes.
A vetted financial advisor can walk through what $1.5 million could cover after taxes, and whether moves like Roth conversions may help it last longer. Advisor.com matches you with one after a few short questions.
Episode 1
Episode 2
AI wants your electricity
Gridlock
America is rebuilding its power grid for AI before anyone can agree on how much power AI will need. We looked into it.
America's grid runs at about half its capacity. AI needs more power. What's the problem?
Episode 3
Episode 4
Balance
Solutions
Residents of Scioto County, Ohio, learned about their new $1 billion Google data center after the deal was done.
The cheapest fix for AI's power problem is America's power grid. That is, the one that already exists
Episode 5
Episode 6
Rulemakers
Overbuild
Even if Microsoft's Three Mile Island reactor was ready in 2027, it wouldn't generate power until 2031.
Nobody’s AI has gone down for lack of electricity. So why are we rushing to build more?
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Sponsored
How Long Does $1.5M Last If It’s All in a 401(k)?
Having $1.5 million saved puts you ahead of most Americans. But if most of it sits in a traditional 401(k) or IRA, withdrawals are generally taxed as income, and that changes how far it goes.
A vetted financial advisor can walk through what $1.5 million could cover after taxes, and whether moves like Roth conversions may help it last longer. Advisor.com matches you with one after a few short questions.
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