AI Data Centers Face Power Crunch in 2027

In the next few years, AI’s insatiable need for energy is likely to grow, which could cause data centers to run out of power

A new report from Gartner says that new servers used 195 terawatt-hours of power last year. That’s the same amount that 18 million homes use all year. But by 2027, new computers might be able to use 500 terawatt-hours, which is enough power for 46 million homes.

That’s on top of the power that current data centers use. A Goldman Sachs estimate from 2022 says they used 349 terawatt hours of power. Without more carbon-free power sources, AI training and use could cause huge smog. Sam Altman made over $375 million in bets on fusion power. It’s beginning to make more sense.