AI data centers to surpass conventional data centers in power consumption by 2027
Global data center power consumption is expected to rise by 26% in 2026, with AI data centers accounting for 31% of total power consumption. By 2027, AI-optimized data centers will consume more power than conventional data centers, driven by surging demand for compute-intensive AI workloads.
Key points
- Gartner forecasts AI data centers to consume 175 TWh of power in 2026, increasing by 84% from 2025.
- AI-optimized servers are expected to account for 31% of data center power consumption in 2026.
- Global data center power consumption is expected to reach 565 TWh in 2026, a 26% increase from 2025.
- The US accounts for 36% of global data center power consumption, with AI data centers consuming around 68 TWh in 2026.
- The excess in electricity demand compared to production will be the main constraint on future AI expansion.
Global data center power consumption is on the rise, driven by the increasing demand for compute-intensive AI workloads. According to a Gartner forecast, AI data centers are expected to consume 175 TWh of power in 2026, a 84% increase from 2025. This trend is expected to continue, with AI-optimized data centers surpassing conventional data centers in power consumption by 2027.
The US accounts for 36% of global data center power consumption, with AI data centers consuming around 68 TWh in 2026. This highlights the significant role that AI is playing in driving data center power growth.
However, the excess in electricity demand compared to production will be the main constraint on future AI expansion. As data centers continue to grow in power consumption, it is essential to address these challenges to ensure the sustainable growth of AI capabilities.
Sources
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