AI to Double Energy Demand of Data Centers by 2030

Rapid Summary:

• Data centers consumed 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity globally in 2024, accounting for approximately 1.5% of global electricity consumption.
• By 2030, data center energy use is projected to more than double to 945 TWh, attributed largely to artificial intelligence (AI).
• In 2024, servers dedicated to AI accounted for 24% of server electricity demand and 15% of total data center energy consumption.
• The US,Europe,and China currently account for 85% of energy usage by data centers; developing economies are expected to contribute only around 5% by the decade’s end.
• Growth in renewables is anticipated but uneven: Two-thirds of planned new energy capacity will be renewable while the US expands its fossil fuel plants with new gas-fired installations.
• Delays affecting up to one-fifth of planned data centers may impact their timely connection to power grids due to infrastructure bottlenecks.

Indian Opinion analysis:
Energy demands driven by AI and expanding data centers have implications possibly concerning global environmental goals as well as local power grid strains-two points relevant for India’s increasing digital footprint. While currently excluded from being among the largest contributors like the US or China, India may need long-term strategies ensuring adequacy + Risks Village connectivity lag growth.aligncritical/socket-expand grid במד#9