According to a recent study by BloombergNEF, data centers in the United States could consume approximately 20% of the nation’s electrical power by 2035. Currently, they account for only 5.9% of the electricity consumption. This significant re-evaluation of energy demand reflects the rapid growth of data centers and their increasing energy needs.
Growth in Energy Consumption
The BloombergNEF report shows a staggering increase in the projected energy consumption of data centers. Initially estimated in April 2025 to reach 78 Gigawatts by 2035, this number was quickly revised to 106 Gigawatts last December. The most recent assessment anticipates a massive surge to 194 Gigawatts, representing an 83% increase from earlier expectations. This upward trend illustrates how swiftly the demand for data center infrastructure is growing, posing potential challenges for energy supply.
Global Energy Demand Trends
A parallel study by Allianz Research predicts that global energy consumption from data centers will rise to around 515 Terawatt-hours by 2025, potentially doubling by 2030. In the U.S., the 5.9% share of electricity consumption is projected to escalate to 12% by 2030, possibly reaching 20% within a decade. Such trends could position the U.S. alongside countries like Ireland, where data centers already consumed 23% of electrical power by 2025, highlighting a global pattern of rising energy demands.
Supply Challenges
The issue at hand is not only the growth in energy consumption but also the capabilities of energy supply systems to keep pace. According to BNEF, the maximum capacity of data centers connected to the U.S. power grid in a single year has been 7.1 Gigawatts. If this pace continues, a shortfall of 19 Gigawatts is anticipated by 2035. Analysts observe that many energy authorities are demanding evidence of reliable energy supply or even self-generated power from data center operators.
For example, New York State recently paused the construction of large data centers (those exceeding 50 Megawatts) for a year, indicating growing concern over energy infrastructure and sustainability. This emphasizes the urgent need for the energy sector to adapt to the increasing demand posed by these technological facilities.
Climate Goals in Jeopardy
The global expansion of data centers to meet the surging demand for AI applications is linked to rising emissions. Prominent data center operators such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are increasingly straying from their climate commitments, raising concerns about the environmental impact of this rapid growth.
The intersection of technology, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability poses a complex challenge. Without concerted efforts to enhance energy supply and incorporate renewable resources, the push for digital transformation risks compromising climate objectives, ultimately affecting our planet’s future.
