2024 United States Data Center Energy Usage Report
Summary
A report estimating U.S. data center electricity usage from 2014 to 2028, highlighting trends, projections, and impacts of AI and cryptocurrency on energy demand.
Key quotes
U.S. data center energy use has continued to grow at an increasing rate, reaching 176 TWh by 2023, representing 4.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption.
This report, produced by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, provides a comprehensive analysis of data center energy consumption in the United States, focusing on the historical trends from 2014 and projecting future demand up to 2028. The study highlights the significant impact of AI and cryptocurrency on energy usage, noting substantial growth from 2017 onward. It employs a bottom-up modeling approach to estimate electricity use, incorporating data on server types, storage, and network equipment, as well as infrastructure such as cooling systems. The report emphasizes the need for greater transparency in data center energy use and identifies opportunities for future research to address emerging trends and challenges.