AI Boom to Ignite 175% Surge in Data Center Power Demand by 2030
A Goldman Sachs report outlines a historic investment cycle for power grids, driven by the intense energy needs of artificial intelligence.
The relentless expansion of artificial intelligence is set to trigger a historic surge in energy consumption, with a new Goldman Sachs report forecasting that global data center power demand will soar 175% by 2030. This unprecedented growth is expected to fuel a massive investment cycle in the U.S. power grid and related infrastructure.
The investment bank's analysis highlights the voracious energy needs of AI technologies, which are driving the construction and expansion of hyperscale data centers. According to the report, this boom will necessitate the addition of 82 gigawatts of new power generation capacity in the United States alone. To support this, the , covering critical distribution and transmission infrastructure.
This demand is primarily driven by 'hyperscalers' such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google parent Alphabet, which are investing heavily to build out their AI capabilities. The report , from fuel suppliers and power producers to capacity builders and equipment manufacturers. Companies like NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG), and Vertiv Holdings (NYSE: VRT) are noted as being well-positioned to capitalize on this long-term trend, as the digital economy's foundation requires a significant upgrade in its power infrastructure.