Artificial intelligence (AI) is both wonderful and horrible, but above all else, it is hungry, very hungry. But don’t worry, it won’t eat, you, me, our friends or our pets, because it’s a picky eater. Although the data centers and powerful computers that power AI consume many resources (think electronic components, building materials and land) most of all it needs huge amounts of electricity.
AI electricity consumption could account for up to 12 percent of all U.S. Power by 2028. Generative AI queries consumed 15 terawatt-hours in 2025 and are expected 347 TWh by 2030.
