AI will double data center power demand by 2030

Data centers' electricity use is expected to more than double by 2030 due to AI. Consumption in 2024 was about 1.5% of global electricity, growing 12% annually over five years. The US, Europe, and China currently account for about 85% of data center energy use. AI requires significant computing power, increasing demand. The IEA anticipates data centers consuming roughly 945 terawatt-hours by 2030. This is comparable to Japan's current total electricity consumption. AI presents challenges for energy security and emissions, but also opportunities for efficiency. Currently, about 30% of data center energy comes from coal. Big tech companies are increasingly using nuclear energy for their AI development.