AI Data Center Deals Go Gigawatt as Grid Terms Tighten — May 21, 2026

Applied Digital, Google and Blackstone pushed AI infrastructure deeper into gigawatt-scale commitments, with Applied topping 1.2 GW contracted, Google touting $15 billion in Missouri, and grid operators moving large-load tariffs and queue reforms from theory into terms. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Applied Digital Reaches Significant Milestone, Surpassing 1 GW of Contracted Capacity with U.S. Based High Investment-Grade Hyperscaler Lease at Fourth Campus, Polaris Forge 3 | Markets Insider — Markets Insider https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/applied-digital-reaches-significant-milestone-surpassing-1-gw-of-contracted-capacity-with-u-s-based-high-investment-grade-hyperscaler-lease-at-fourth-campus-polaris-forge-3-1036180900 2. Kehoe, Google tout $15 billion investment to accompany data center - ABC17NEWS — ABC17 News https://abc17news.com/top-story/2026/05/20/kehoe-google-tout-15-billion-investment-to-accompany-data-center/ 3. Google is building a new $5B neocloud with Blackstone – but why? — Fierce Network https://www.fierce-network.com/cloud/google-building-new-5b-neocloud-blackstone-why 4. GridTracker Insights — May 2 – 15, 2026 — Interconnection.fyi https://interconnectionfyi.substack.com/p/gridtracker-insights-may-2-15-2026 5. IID Board Moves on Release of Proposed Large Load Tariff for Public Review - Beyond Borders News — Beyond Borders News https://beyondbordersnews.com/iid-board-moves-on-release-of-proposed-large-load-tariff-for-public-review/ Follow and rate The Data Center Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]