Data centres' electricity consumption will skyrocket by 2030
- Electricity consumption by data centres is set to more than double by 2030 due to the rise of artificial intelligence applications.
- Data centres currently represent about 1.5% of global electricity consumption and have been growing at a rate of 12% annually over the last five years.
- The findings suggest a pressing need for sustainable energy solutions as AI advancements continue to escalate.
In 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that electricity consumption by data centres is projected to increase more than double by 2030, driven largely by artificial intelligence applications. This surge presents new challenges regarding energy security and carbon dioxide emission targets. The rise of AI is real and pressing, contributing significantly to the energy demand and consumption landscape. Currently, data centres account for 1.5% of global electricity use and have experienced a 12% annual growth in consumption over the past five years. Industry leaders and researchers stress the need for efficient, sustainable energy practices as big tech firms like Google push their reliance on massive computing power for AI. This reality has led to more innovative methods of electricity production and consumption. For example, Google has recently signed an agreement to obtain electricity from small nuclear reactors to meet its growing power needs for AI development. This development underlines a fundamental conflict in the tech industry: while AI can greatly enhance efficiency in many sectors, it also demands enormous resources, raising questions about sustainability and responsible growth in the future. The IEA advocates for a balance between pursuing advancements in AI technology and ensuring adequate energy strategies that are consistent with carbon reduction goals.