Data centres are projected to consume twice as much power by 2030 due to the surge in AI demand, according to UN researchers. Currently consuming 448 terawatt-hours globally, this figure is expected to double to 945 TWh by 2030, with AI accounting for 40% of total consumption.
Water usage will also increase from 4.5 trillion litres to 9.3 trillion litres over the same period, while CO2 emissions are forecasted to rise from 189 million tons to 399 million tons. The land footprint of data centres is set to expand from 6,900 square km to more than 14,500 square km.
The UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health warns that without proper planning, the rapid expansion could strain scarce resources and generate significant electronic waste.