According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United States has become the country with the highest electricity consumption for data centers in the world.
In 2024, the United States accounts for up to 45 percent of total global data center electricity consumption, with China at 25 percent and Europe at 15 percent.
The main reason for the rapid increase in electricity demand from these data centers is attributed to the fast advancement of cloud computing and other digital services, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Global data center electricity demand could reach 945 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030, which is equivalent to Japan's annual electricity consumption and represents more than double the current level.
To meet this growing demand, technology companies and electricity generation companies are investing billions of dollars in new technologies including building new AI data centers, upgrading electricity transmission lines, and renewable energy, natural gas, and advanced nuclear power.
The IEA highlights that maintaining stable electricity support while promoting rapid AI technology advancement requires the use of mixed energy resources.
The report underscores that AI technology is becoming a major driver of new electricity demand, and energy infrastructure is becoming a critical component for future AI advancement.
Ref: Technology Innovation
