Data centers are a fundamental component of America’s digital infrastructure, acting as the backbone of U.S. telecommunications and internet access. These expansive facilities already consume substantial amounts of electricity, and their power demand is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. By 2030, the share of electricity consumed by data centers is projected to triple, significantly impacting the overall energy landscape in the United States.
According to a recent report by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, the power consumption from U.S. data centers is anticipated to grow rapidly from 2023 to 2030. The following table illustrates the forecasted percentage share of total U.S. energy consumed by data centers during this period:
Year Electricity Demand (TWh) Share of Total U.S. Power Demand (%) 2023 1473.7 3.7 2024 (Projected) 1784.3 4.3 2025 (Projected) 2245.2 5.2 2026 (Projected) 2926.5 6.5 2027 (Projected) 3718.0 8.0 2028 (Projected) 4509.3 9.3 2029 (Projected) 51310.3 10.3 2030 (Projected) 60611.7 11.7In 2023, U.S. data centers accounted for 3.7% of the total power demand in the country. However, as the need for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems grows and more Americans gain internet access, this number is projected to rise to nearly 12% by 2030, equating to an astounding 606 terawatt-hours of electricity consumption. For perspective, this amount of energy is approximately half of what the United Kingdom consumed in 2023.
U.S. data centers play a crucial role in the nation’s digital infrastructure, connecting America to the global internet, powering telecommunications, and enabling the operation of cutting-edge AIs. As the demand for data center services continues to escalate, it is essential to understand the implications of this surge in power use. By 2030, the share of electricity consumed by U.S. data centers is expected to triple, making it a significant concern for energy policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
For those interested in further exploring electricity demand and the electrification trend, the Electrification Series offers valuable insights. The first part delved into which areas of U.S. infrastructure require the most funding, while the second part examined U.S. electricity demands by sector and projected them through 2050. Stay informed about the evolving landscape of energy consumption as we transition into an increasingly digital world.
