Energie: KI-Boom treibt US-Stromverbrauch auf Rekordwerte
Rechenzentren für KI und Kryptowährungen treiben die Nachfrage besonders stark. In Texas könnte ein Baustopp für neue Anlagen das Wachstum allerdings deutlich bremsen.
New York - The surge in artificial intelligence (AI) and the ongoing transition to electrification are driving US electricity consumption to record highs in the coming years, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) short-term energy outlook. The demand is projected to rise from the current peak of 4,195 Terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025 to 4,268 TWh in 2026 and 4,391 TWh in 2027, the EIA announced on Tuesday.
The increase is primarily attributed to data centers powering AI and cryptocurrency activities, as well as private households and businesses increasingly relying on electricity for heating and transportation, instead of fossil fuels. However, the EIA has significantly lowered its forecast for Texas in 2027, predicting only a 6% growth in electricity demand, down from the previously anticipated 14% increase. The reduction is due to a construction halt imposed by Texas Governor in early August for new data centers.
The EIA anticipates a shift towards renewable energy sources in electricity generation. The share of renewables is projected to increase from about 24% in 2025 to 27% in 2027, while coal's share is expected to decline from 17% to 15%. Natural gas and nuclear power are expected to remain stable at 40% and 18%, respectively.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
