During the World Economic Forum on January 20, 2026, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that energy costs will play a crucial role in determining which countries succeed in the AI race.
He explained that as nations strive to build AI infrastructure, the cost of energy will significantly impact economic growth. Nadella said, "GDP growth in any place will be directly correlated" to energy costs associated with AI usage.
Nadella pointed out that hyperscalers, including Microsoft, have seen capital expenditures soar as they rush to build AI infrastructure.
He mentioned that Microsoft expects to invest $80 billion in AI data centers in 2025. Notably, half of this investment will occur outside the United States, highlighting the company's global approach to AI development.
According to Nadella, there's a new economic factor in AI known as "tokens," which are basic units of processing bought by users of AI models. He emphasized the need for economies and companies to translate these tokens into economic growth.
Nadella noted that having cheaper energy commodities would aid this process, stating, "if you have a cheaper commodity, it's better." This connection between energy costs and economic output could redefine how countries compete in the AI sector.
Nadella also addressed the specific challenges Europe faces in the AI landscape. He pointed out that European countries have some of the highest energy costs in the world, which were exacerbated by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
This has made it more difficult for Europe to compete in the AI race, as high energy costs can limit growth and innovation.
To improve competitiveness, Nadella suggested that Europe needs to adopt a more global outlook. He stressed that European competitiveness should focus on global output rather than just the domestic market.
He remarked, "European competitiveness is about the competitiveness of their output globally, not just in Europe." Nadella believes that for Europe to thrive in the current landscape, it must invest in the energy and resources necessary to support AI infrastructure.
As the AI race intensifies, the connection between energy costs and economic growth will be a focal point for many nations.
Companies like Microsoft are leading the way with substantial investments, but the challenges in high-cost regions like Europe may hinder progress unless addressed. Nadella's insights highlight the critical nature of energy costs in shaping the future of AI and global competitiveness.