Datacenter Power Demand May Exceed Grid Capacity by 2030 as AI Drives Energy Consumption
Gartner warns that global datacenter electricity consumption could reach 1,200 terawatt-hours by 2030, potentially exceeding grid supply capacity. AI-optimized servers are driving a 26 percent increase in datacenter energy consumption this year, with AI workloads expected to account for 31 percent of all datacenter power consumption. The power shortage could become a critical constraint on AI infrastructure expansion and competitiveness.
According to Gartner research, global datacenter electricity consumption is projected to reach 565 terawatt-hours by 2026 and exceed 1,200 TWh by 2030, driven primarily by surging demand for AI-optimized servers. Power demand is expected to grow from 104 GW in 2025 to 132 GW this year, with AI-optimized servers accounting for 31 percent of datacenter power consumption in 2024 and surpassing conventional servers by 2025. Gartner's projections exceed earlier forecasts from Goldman Sachs and Schneider Electric, suggesting the growth trajectory is steeper than previously anticipated. Grid operators and datacenter developers, particularly in the US, face significant challenges in meeting this demand. Experts recommend infrastructure upgrades, efficiency improvements, high-efficiency cooling systems, and edge computing investments to mitigate power constraints and enable sustainable growth.
What's missing
The article does not provide specific details on which regions or countries are most affected by power constraints, nor does it discuss potential solutions being actively pursued by grid operators or datacenter companies beyond general recommendations.
What different sources said
- The RegisterCenter
Datacenter growth may run into a power wall by 2030
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