AI boom could make data centers consume 20% of US electricity by 2035: Report
2026-07-21
Hindustan Times
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Multiple reports warn that the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers in the US could consume up to 20% of the nation's electricity by 2035, up from 5.9% today. This surge poses credible future risks to power grids and environmental sustainability due to sharply rising energy and water demands.[AI generated]
Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?
The event involves AI systems indirectly through their demand for data center resources, which are expected to increase electricity consumption significantly. While this raises plausible future risks related to energy supply and environmental impact, no actual harm or incident caused by AI systems is reported. Therefore, this is best classified as an AI Hazard, reflecting the credible risk of future harm due to AI-driven energy demand growth.[AI generated]