U.S. Data Centers' Energy Demand Expected to Double Amid AI Expansion
Data centers in the United States, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, accounted for 4% of the country's total electricity use in 2024. This demand is projected to more than double by 2030, according to a report by the International Energy Agency. The growth of data centers, particularly hyperscale facilities, is fueled by the increasing need for AI model training and operations. These centers are concentrated in states like Virginia, Texas, and California, where they significantly strain local power grids. The energy consumption of data centers is primarily for powering servers and cooling systems, with natural gas being the largest energy source. The expansion of data centers raises concerns about their environmental impact and the potential for increased electricity costs for consumers. 
