2026 US Data Centers and Energy Report

The breakout of artificial intelligence computing continues to percolate throughout all corners of the global economy, creating a spike in demand for the power-intensive data centers that run it. S&P Global Energy's 451 Research base forecast indicates power demand from data centers in the US will reach 366 TWh in 2025 and nearly double to 728 TWh by 2030.

Doubts remain, however, regarding the ability of both tech companies and utilities to integrate this level of new load into the grid in the next five years. This concern is forcing energy providers and hyperscalers to utilize an “all-of-the-above” approach to power, including legacy thermal generation — namely nuclear and natural gas — despite aggressive sustainability goals. ­

Key Features

  • Nuclear continues to capture headlines as top data center companies see it as a major piece of their energy future due to its status as both carbon-free and non-intermittent. Companies are exploring a two-pronged approach of contracting with operating or soon-to-be restarted nuclear plants as well as investment in next generation technologies such as small modular reactors for long-term solutions.
  • Natural gas is expected to play a critical role in meeting the increasing power demands of data centers, with a notable rise in gas turbine orders. However, supply chain issues are affecting timelines and development costs.
  • Despite a reversal of support for renewables at the federal level, wind and especially solar energy still dominate clean energy purchases among hyperscalers, accounting for roughly 80% of the carbon-free capacity signed in the US by these four companies this year.
  • The aging US transmission and distribution infrastructure poses a significant challenge for integrating new generation and accommodating rising data center demand, with lengthy development timelines for new projects.
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