IEA: AI data centers will increase gas consumption by 2030

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the growth of AI data centers will double electricity demand by 2030. Consequently, the need for coal and gas will also increase.

In the US, natural gas is used in 40% of data centers, and its demand will rise as these facilities proliferate. Although the adoption of renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, their intermittent nature means that natural gas remains the preferred resource for maintaining stable operations, as reported by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has previously promoted policies to increase coal usage for energy-intensive facilities. In China, coal is already leading the energy consumption structure of data centers, the agency noted.

As Bloomberg reports, the scale of growth in data center electricity demand by 2035 remains uncertain. Estimates range from 700 to 1,700 terawatt-hours. Hence, gas consumption forecasts vary, the agency's analysts emphasize.