US data centres used 4.4% of the nation's electricity in 2023 — and could hit 12% by 2028
Berkeley Lab's DOE-commissioned report: 176 TWh in 2023, a projected 325–580 TWh in 2028, and 17 billion gallons of direct cooling water plus 211 billion gallons indirectly through electricity.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 2024 report for the Department of Energy estimates US data centres consumed about 176 TWh in 2023 — 4.4% of national electricity — up from 76 TWh (1.9%) in 2018. Its 2028 range is 325 to 580 TWh, or 6.7% to 12% of US electricity, driven by AI accelerators.
On water, the report estimates 17 billion gallons (64 billion litres) consumed directly for cooling in 2023 and about 211 billion gallons indirectly through the electricity that powers them — roughly twelve times the direct figure — with direct use projected to double or quadruple by 2028. The direct figure is modelled, not metered.
Sources
- 1.Berkeley Lab report evaluates increase in electricity demand from data centersLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory · Dec 20, 2024
- 2.Data Centers and Their Energy Consumption: Frequently Asked QuestionsCongressional Research Service · May 12, 2026