Data centers could consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030 – more than double the current use!

This according to a new study released today (May 29) by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). This is a very revealing and detailed forecast of the growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and the rapidly growing demand for electricity by data center operations. Kudos to the principal EPRI investigators, Jordan Aljbour, Tom Wilson, Rick Moore, and Poorvi Patel. The 35-page report provides a four-scenario outlook with state-by-state details. Based on the ‘Higher-Growth’ scenario, electricity consumption by data centers is forecast to rise from about 152 million megawatt (MW) hours in 2023, to more than 403 million MWh in 2030 – an increase of 166%. Today, in terms of geographic concentration, only 15 states account for 80% of national data center load. The informative report highlights three essential strategies needed to support rapid data center expansion. They include deployment of better efficiency measures, better planning coordination, and better modeling. Nice work EPRI!

EPRI news release: https://lnkd.in/ePEHWNJj

EPRI’s Powering Intelligence Study: https://lnkd.in/e6QdmKdv