Strait of Hormuz
THE THREAT TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The data centre sector is currently undergoing a massive transformation driven by artificial intelligence. This AI boom requires vast quantities of high-bandwidth memory and advanced compute chips. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company( TSMC) produces about 90 % of the world’ s most advanced logic chips and is the sole supplier for major AI accelerators. Any disruption to their helium supply directly threatens around US $ 650bn in planned AI investments globally.
Beyond the raw materials, the war has also inflated energy prices. AI data centres consume up to five times as much electricity as conventional facilities. Surging oil prices compound the issue, raising the total cost of ownership for hyperscale operators and threatening the rollout of AI infrastructure worldwide.
Shawn Kim, Head of Asia Technology Research at Morgan Stanley, details how these compounding factors impact the sector.
“ A disruption in the Strait of Hormuz wouldn’ t automatically halt chip production, but it could ripple through power costs, materials supply and the economics of building AI infrastructure,” said Shawn.
82 May 2026