UN report: Data centers' energy use rivals entire nations, set to double by 2029 as AI grows
By
Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer
Summary
A United Nations University report reveals that global data centers consumed 448 trillion watt-hours of electricity in 2025, surpassing all but 10 countries. The report warns that water and energy use, along with pollution from data centers, will double within four years due to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The environmental footprint of data centers now rivals that of major nations, highlighting the escalating ecological cost of AI infrastructure.
Source
bskyUN report: Data centers' energy use rivals entire nations, set to double by 2029 as AI growskcra.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe environmental footprint of data centers already rivals some of the world's largest countries, according to a United Nations University report.
Last year, global data centers used 448 trillion watt-hours of electricity, more than all but 10 countries of the world.
Their water and energy use and pollution will double in just four years as use of artificial intelligence grows.
You might also wanna read
Data Center Power Use to Double by 2030, Straining Grids
Data Center Expansion Questioned: AI Chip Weight Drives Infrastructure Challenges
The article discusses the rapid expansion of data centers globally, particularly in the US where they quadrupled from 2010 to 2024. It highl
The Verge·6mo ago
Amazon discloses data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, claims improved efficiency
Amazon disclosed that its global data centers consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, marking the first time the company has shared s
The Verge·26d agoAmazon discloses data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, claims improved efficiency
Amazon disclosed that its global data centers consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, marking the first time the company has shared s
theverge.com·26d ago
Study: AI's Environmental Impact Reaches New Highs in 2025 with Significant Carbon and Water Footprints
A new study reveals that AI's environmental impact has reached alarming levels in 2025, with carbon emissions comparable to New York City an
The Verge·6mo ago
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.