Data Centres Will Use Twice as Much Energy By 2030
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed that data centres are projected to consume more than twice the amount of energy by 2030, largely due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The report indicates that energy consumption will increase from 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024 to an estimated 945 TWh by 2030, equating to the current annual electricity usage of Japan. This surge in energy demand correlates directly with the growing reliance on AI, as AI servers currently account for a significant portion of total electricity usage in data centres.
Key Points
- Data centres are expected to consume 945 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy by 2030.
- This is more than double the electricity consumption noted in 2024 (415 TWh).
- AI is a primary contributing factor to this rising energy demand.
- In 2024, AI servers accounted for 24% of server electricity utilisation and 15% of overall data centre energy usage.
- The findings are crucial for policymakers and industries planning to enhance infrastructure alongside the AI sector.
Why should I read this?
This article is significant for understanding the future landscape of energy requirements in the tech industry, especially concerning AI. As data centres become a larger part of the global electricity narrative, it’s important for businesses, governments, and environmental advocates to consider the implications of this trend on sustainability and energy infrastructure investments.
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