AI-driven data centers now consume 6% of US electricity, sparking infrastructure concerns
By
Leigh Cook
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
Data centers, driven by the AI boom, now consume approximately 6% of US electricity, with global power demand reaching 67.7 gigawatts (a 36% increase in two years). The US accounts for 29.2 gigawatts (43% of worldwide consumption). Experts warn this rapid growth could trigger public backlash over energy use, water demand, and strain on local infrastructure.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledNew figures suggest data centers now use roughly 6% of electricity in the United States, a level that experts say can trigger growing public backlash over energy use, water demand, and strain on local infrastructure.
A new report from the International Data Center Authority put global data center power demand at 67.7 gigawatts, a 36% increase in two years.
The U.S. accounts for 29.2 gigawatts of that total, or about 43% of worldwide consumption.
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