U.S. data centers could consume 12 percent of electricity by 2028, report says

A new report from the Department of Energy predicts that U.S. data centers could consume up to 12 percent of the country's electricity by 2028, nearly tripling their current usage. This increase is driven by the growing demand for computing power, particularly for artificial intelligence. Data centers currently account for about 4.4 percent of U.S. electricity use. Previous estimates from other organizations also indicated significant growth, with projections ranging from 9 to 12 percent by 2030. The reports highlight the challenge of balancing energy needs with climate goals. Tech companies are investing in renewable energy to meet this demand. However, some are still relying on fossil fuels, raising concerns about air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The DOE emphasizes the potential for clean energy solutions to support the expected growth in data center energy consumption.