The electricity consumption of data centers, already high, is expected to see a dramatic increase by 2030, primarily due to the development of artificial intelligence (AI). According to a report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on April 10, 2025, this consumption could more than double in the coming years.
In 2024, data centers accounted for about 1.5% of global electricity consumption, or 415 terawatt-hours (TWh). Over the past five years, their consumption has already increased by 12% per year. At this rate, the IEA predicts it will reach about 945 TWh by 2030, which is more than the total electricity consumption of Japan today. By that time, data centers will represent nearly 3% of global electricity demand.
This rapid growth is largely driven by the rise of AI, which requires massive computing capabilities. Generative artificial intelligence, in particular, mobilizes enormous databases and powerful computing infrastructures. This imposes a heavy energy burden, which could become a major challenge for global energy security.
The largest data centers, which currently consume the equivalent of the electricity of 100,000 households, are expected to see their demand multiplied by 20 in the coming years, representing the energy consumption of 2 million households.
An uneven geographical distribution
Data centers are concentrated in a few regions of the world, primarily in the United States, Europe, and China, which together account for about 85% of global consumption. Their electricity needs are expected to grow particularly in these areas, especially in the United States, where they could represent nearly half of the additional electricity demand.
To meet this demand, a variety of energy sources will be used, including renewable energy and natural gas. However, coal, although declining, remains a significant part of the energy sources for data centers, currently accounting for 30% of their electricity needs.
The impact on CO2 emissions
The increase in electricity consumption will lead to a rise in CO2 emissions. Currently, data centers emit about 180 million tons of CO2 per year, but this figure could reach 300 million tons by 2035. Although this increase is significant, it remains modest compared to total global emissions, estimated at 41.6 billion tons of CO2 in 2024.
The IEA emphasizes that while this rise in emissions seems inevitable, solutions exist to reduce the carbon footprint of this sector. The introduction of more efficient technologies and the increasing use of renewable energy could mitigate its impact.
In summary, the energy transition of data centers represents a major challenge for the future of global digital infrastructure, especially in the face of the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence.