Gartner: Data center electricity demand to rise 16% in 2025 and double by 2030

Electricity demand for data centers worldwide is expected to grow sharply, rising 16% in 2025 and nearly doubling by the end of the decade, according to new estimates from Gartner. Global data center electricity consumption is forecast to increase from 448 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2025 to 980 TWh by 2030, underscoring the intensifying pressure that digital infrastructure is placing on global power systems.

A key driver of this surge is the rapid adoption of AI-optimized servers. While traditional servers and supporting infrastructure continue to consume significant amounts of power, Gartner notes that AI-focused systems are fueling the most dramatic increase. Electricity usage by AI-optimized servers is projected to rise almost fivefold, from 93 TWh in 2025 to 432 TWh by 2030. By 2025, these servers will account for 21% of ...