Data Center Power Play | Union of Concerned Scientists

The U.S. electricity sector faces a surge in demand due to the growth of AI-driven data centers, with projections suggesting their electricity use could rise significantly. Current reliance on fossil fuels for power generation poses risks to climate goals and public health. Transitioning to clean energy sources like wind and solar, combined with battery storage, offers a sustainable solution. Policymakers are urged to enhance transparency, require data centers to pay for additional costs, and adopt stronger climate policies to ensure a clean energy transition while managing the economic and environmental impacts of data center growth.