February 20, 2026–Written by Paul Wiseman for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)–Data centers are notable for hogging power for operating and water for cooling. Under the surface are large amounts of metals–and a looming copper shortage could add to data center growth challenges.
Copper supply challenges have been looming for a while. Three years ago, in February 2023, CNBC headlines proclaimed a copper shortage that would last through 2030. Now that looks optimistic. More recently, in October 2025, the International Copper Study Group said it sees the global refined copper market with a 150,000 metric-ton deficit in 2026.
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