Enterprises Plan Rapid Growth for AI Factories and AI at the Edge, Survey Finds

Why It Matters

The projected scale‑up of AI infrastructure will reshape enterprise IT spending, forcing firms to solve talent, energy and governance gaps before the technology delivers expected business value.

Key Takeaways

• 73% target at‑scale AI factories by 2028, up from 36%
• Monthly AI token use projected to exceed 10 billion by 2028
• Only 42% possess needed energy‑sustainability expertise, widening talent gap
• Power, cooling pressures may drive private generation and liquid‑cooling adoption

Pulse Analysis

Enterprises are moving from AI experimentation to full‑scale production at an unprecedented pace. Deloitte’s Q4 2025 survey of companies with revenues above $500 million reveals that 73% of respondents expect at‑scale AI factories by 2028, while 72% anticipate comparable edge deployments. Token consumption—a proxy for compute demand—will more than double, with 61% forecasting over 10 billion tokens per month. This surge reflects a broader market trend where AI‑driven applications are becoming core revenue generators rather than optional add‑ons.

The infrastructure boom brings formidable operational challenges. Although most firms report sufficient data engineers and scientists today, only 42% say they have the energy‑sustainability expertise needed to manage gigawatt‑level power loads and advanced cooling solutions. As AI workloads outgrow traditional data‑center capacity, companies are exploring private power generation, liquid‑cooling, and even on‑premise renewable installations. Talent gaps in robotics, compliance, and AI‑Ops further compound the risk, pushing CIOs to rethink hiring, upskilling, and partnership models.

Strategically, success hinges on cross‑functional governance and clear economic metrics. Deloitte notes a 16‑point confidence gap between IT and business teams, underscoring the need for integrated leadership that aligns incentives across finance, risk and product units. Firms that master token economics, secure reliable energy sources, and embed AI expertise throughout the organization will capture early‑mover advantages and avoid costly over‑provisioning. As the AI infrastructure spend curve steepens, vendors offering end‑to‑end planning, staffing and sustainability services are poised to become essential partners for the next wave of digital transformation.