TrendForce projects that global data center power demand will reach 161 GW in 2026, marking a 31% increase from the 122.9 GW expected in 2025. This growth is largely driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Forecasts indicate that power demand will rise to 211 GW by 2027 and reach 490.7 GW by 2030. AI servers are expected to represent 33.4% of total data center power consumption in 2026, compared to 25% in 2025.
Major cloud service providers continue to increase capital expenditure, with annual growth rates projected to exceed 30% through 2027. This sustained investment is intensifying pressure on global energy grids.
By 2030, global grid capacity for data centers is estimated at 222.6 GW, creating a projected shortfall of 268 GW. The United States faces a deficit exceeding 170 GW, particularly in the PJM, ERCOT, and MISO regions.
To improve transmission efficiency, analysts point to high-voltage direct current systems. These systems may help connect data centers to remote power sources, though rising demand could increase wholesale electricity prices for all consumers.
