Global electricity demand from data centres, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence (AI) could more than double over the next three years, adding the equivalent of Germany’s entire power needs, the International Energy Agency forecasts in its latest report.
A Bloomberg article reports there are more than 8,000 data centers globally, with about 33% in the US, 16% in Europe and close to 10% in China, with more planned.
In Ireland, where data centers are developing rapidly, the IEA expects the sector to consume 32% of the country’s total electricity by 2026 compared to 17% in 2022. Ireland currently has 82 centers; 14 are under construction and 40 more are approved, says the article.
Overall global electricity demand is expected to see a 3.4% increase until 2026, the report found. The increase, however, will be more than covered by renewables, such as wind, solar and hydro, and all-time high nuclear power.
