"The energy footprint of US data centers is expanding far more rapidly than previously anticipated, driven by a surge in massive-scale artificial intelligence (AI) projects that threaten to overwhelm existing power infrastructure. According to a released this week by BloombergNEF (BNEF), titled AI and the Power Grid: Where the Rubber Meets the Road, demand for power from US data centers is now projected to reach 106 gigawatts (GW) by 2035."
"The 106GW forecast is a "36% jump from the previous outlook" published by BNEF just seven months ago, underscoring how quickly the generative AI boom is altering the physical requirements of the technology sector. "Colliding with grid realities" The report paints a concerning picture for IT leaders and utility providers, suggesting that the pace of digital infrastructure buildouts is outpacing the electrical grid's capacity. "This boom in data center demand is colliding with grid realities," the report states."
Demand for power from US data centers is projected to reach 106 gigawatts by 2035, a 36% increase from earlier forecasts. Large-scale generative AI workloads and LLM training are driving a shift toward much larger data centers and mega-campus footprints. Certain regions face tight supply margins: PJM could see data center capacity of 31 GW by 2030, almost equaling 28.7 GW of new generation expected, leaving minimal buffer. ERCOT reserve margins could enter risky territory after 2028. Rapid digital infrastructure buildouts are outpacing planned generation additions and threaten long-term grid reliability without added capacity or coordination.
Read at IT Pro
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