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Data Centers' Electricity Demand Soars 17% Amid AI Boom

4/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Data centers' electricity demand rose 17% in 2025, driven by AI infrastructure investments over $400 billion.
The International Energy Agency projects demand will double by 2030, with AI consumption tripling.
In the United States, data centers accounted for 50% of electricity demand growth, fueling backlash and political tensions ahead of midterm elections.
Local opposition has delayed 16 projects worth $64 billion, while Maine lawmakers consider a moratorium on data centers.

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Story summary

Data centers' electricity demand rose 17% in 2025, driven by AI infrastructure investments over $400 billion.
The International Energy Agency projects demand will double by 2030, with AI consumption tripling.
In the United States, data centers accounted for 50% of electricity demand growth, fueling backlash and political tensions ahead of midterm elections.
Local opposition has delayed 16 projects worth $64 billion, while Maine lawmakers consider a moratorium on data centers.