Artificial intelligence is becoming a key driver of growth in electricity demand, shifting the balance of the global energy market and creating new challenges for infrastructure.

The global artificial intelligence industry is experiencing rapid growth, which is directly impacting the energy sector. According to estimates by international analytical agencies, electricity consumption by data centers will increase by 17% by 2026 and could exceed 2,200 TWh by 2030—a level comparable to India’s total annual consumption. This surge is shaping a new global trend: power systems must adapt to loads that did not exist before.

Countries in the EU, the U.S., and Asia are already developing programs to modernize their power grids to avoid overloads and ensure a stable supply. In some regions, the construction of specialized energy hubs for data centers is being considered, including high-voltage substations, energy storage systems, and local generation sources.

Experts note that the development of AI infrastructure could become one of the most powerful drivers of investment in power grid modernization over the next 5–10 years. At the same time, interest is growing in renewable energy sources capable of providing a stable power supply for high-load digital systems.

The global energy market is entering a new phase in which artificial intelligence technologies are shaping not only economic development but also the future configuration of energy infrastructure.