AI to double data centre power and water use by 2030
United Nations researchers report that data centres will consume 945 terawatt-hours of electricity and 9.3 trillion litres of water by 2030 as artificial intelligence demand grows. The report warns that rapid expansion could strain land resources and increase carbon emissions without sustainable planning.
United Nations researchers expect data centers to double power and water consumption by 2030 to meet surging artificial intelligence demand. Annual electricity use will reach 945 TWh, roughly equal to the current total consumption of Japan. Investors face rising resource constraints and regulatory risks as AI infrastructure expansion collides with global sustainability targets.
