Key facts
- Global data centers consumed approximately 415 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024.
- The 2024 electricity consumption is equivalent to about 670,000 barrels of oil per day.
- Data center electricity demand is projected to more than double by 2030.
- The increasing demand strains global power grids.
- Artificial intelligence technologies are a primary driver of this energy consumption.
Global data centers are consuming electricity at an unprecedented rate, with an estimated 415 terawatt-hours used in 2024. This consumption is equivalent to approximately 670,000 barrels of oil per day, underscoring the significant energy footprint of digital infrastructure. Projections indicate that this demand is set to more than double by the year 2030, which will place a considerable strain on global power grids. The rapid growth in energy consumption is closely linked to the expanding deployment and computational requirements of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. As AI models become more complex and widely adopted, the need for powerful computing resources housed in data centers intensifies, driving up electricity usage. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of current energy infrastructures and the environmental impact of the digital economy. The projected increase in demand by 2030 suggests a critical need for advancements in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and grid modernization to accommodate the escalating power requirements.