U.S. Data Center Power Use Could Triple by 2028, Berkeley Lab Report Says, Account for 12% of Total Electricity Consumption

Dec 20, 2024, 03:26 PM

A recent report backed by the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that power usage by data centers in the United States could nearly triple by 2028. This increase could account for up to 12% of the total electricity consumption in the country, reflecting a significant transformation driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. The analysis, conducted by Berkeley Lab, highlights the growing demand for energy as data centers expand their operations. The report builds on previous findings from 2016 and emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding future demand and efficiency in the sector.