The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global economy, making AI-ready data centers essential drivers of this change. Unlike traditional data centers for general information technology (IT), AI-focused facilities use advanced chips, dense servers, and liquid cooling to support high-performance computing. This shift accelerates digital innovation but increases pressure on energy systems. Globally in 2024, total data center capacity exceeded 111,900 MW, with the United States and China accounting for more than 60%. Capacity is projected to double to 224,000 MW by 2030, with electricity use rising from 854 TWh in 2024 to nearly 1,900 TWh by 2030. AI workloads already use 5%-15% of that power and could reach 35%-50% by the end of the decade, highlighting the growing link between the energy and digital sectors.
