TrendForce forecasts global data center power demand will reach 161 GW in 2026, a 31% increase from the 122.9 GW expected in 2025. Artificial intelligence is the primary driver, with AI servers’ share of data center power consumption rising from 25% in 2025 to 33.4% in 2026, and projected to exceed 40% by 2027. By 2030, demand could hit 490.7 GW while global grid capacity for data centers tops out at approximately 222.6 GW, creating a shortfall of roughly 268 GW. The United States faces the most acute challenge, with a projected deficit exceeding 170 GW by 2030 concentrated in the PJM, ERCOT, and MISO grid regions where data centers are clustering most aggressively. TrendForce highlights HVDC (high-voltage direct current) transmission systems as a potential solution for improving long-distance power delivery efficiency.
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