# Global data-centre demand: a 2030 scenario

ID: data-centre-demand-2030 · claim · sourced · updated 2026-09-07
Tags: AI, scenario, dataset

The IEA's 2025 base case projects about 945 TWh of annual data-centre electricity consumption in 2030.

This is a scenario projection, not an observed outcome. The IEA also considers different pathways for adoption, efficiency and constraints. Airform tests its thesis across demand scenarios rather than treating a single forecast as a deployment commitment.

## Counterargument
The benefit may disappear when tested against a simpler alternative or under adverse operating conditions.

## Next test
Stress-test the deployment proposition under lower demand and higher efficiency.

## Measurement
945 TWh/year (2030) · Global data centres; all workloads · IEA 2025 Base Case projection

## Sources
- IEA · Energy and AI (2025): https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/energy-demand-from-ai

## Links
- depends-on → data-centre-demand-2024
- depends-on → source-iea-energy-ai