- New data centers must push energy demand 2.7 times more by 2035
- These projects put enormous pressure on the energy grids
- This drives up prices and damages nearby environments
A new wave of energy demand is hitting grids across the US, with current projections outlining that by the end of 2035, data centers will require 2.7 times current electricity demand – a 36% jump from predictions published just 7 months ago.
New research from BloomberNEF shows that the massive increase in demand is likely to be driven by artificial intelligence – and could put regions under enormous pressure, leading to a reliance on rural energy as urban areas become strained.
The different predictions probably stem from an increase in the number of promised data centers that are not yet operational, and the size and power of the proposed projects. Currently, only 10% of data centers use more than 50 megawatts of electricity – but this is likely to grow significantly, with an average output of more than 100 megawatts in the next decade.
Environmental considerations
As data centers become a growing concern for emissions, this news will be troubling to many — especially those near the proposed new centers. The focus on rural areas in both the US and UK could wreak havoc on the countryside – and the bill is likely to be paid by consumers for the energy used.
The research also outlines areas where upgraded infrastructure can also be used – with fiber optic cables enabling the growth. Also identified are old crypto-mining sites that have been regenerated into AI-powered data centers.
‘Today, developers are building hyperscale campuses in suburban and suburban zones, typically within 30 miles of major cities. Virginia led this transition early, leveraging its strong infrastructure and fiber backbone. Now Georgia and Ohio are following suit as they chase the next wave of digital demand’ writes BloombergNEF.
The pressure these centers could put on already faltering energy grids has the potential to be catastrophic – with weakened and outdated infrastructure and electricity prices already rising worldwide.
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