AI-specific power consumption could drive over half of this growth globally, the report found.
Some data centres today consume as much electricity as 100,000 households.
The hyperscalers of the future could gobble up 20x that number, according to the IEA.
The findings paint a bleak picture for the climate, but theres a silver lining, the IEA said.
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The technology could also be used to more effectively plan transport routes or design cities.
AI also has the potential todiscover new green materialsfor tech like batteries.
Meanwhile, the technologys negative climate impact is already set in.
Aside from AI, there are moreproven ways to curb energy usefrom data centres.
Ultimately,we also need to start using computing powermore wisely.
The debate on sustainable AI will continue atTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam.
Tickets for the event arenow on sale.
Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
