Report: Data Center Energy Demand is Growing Faster than Supply

­A new report confirms what most of us already knew – that data center energy demand is rapidly outpacing supply. And for those who’ve heard of the smart grid so 99% of us) the concurrent issue is no less surprising – delivering the electricity reliably and efficiently. But it can’t be overstated just how important these issues are for the future of data centers.

According to data from a Capgemini report, 77% of polled executives believe the data center energy supply isn’t enough to satisfy demand, and a big part of that is because no one really knows exactly how much is needed.

Over three-quarters of those surveyed find it difficult to forecast volatile AI energy demands, and a full 68% predict that energy shortages will become a lot more commonplace.

But even if we do have enough energy, the logistics and deployment of said electricity is confounding. For now, at least.

"The challenge is no longer only how much power is needed, but whether it can be delivered reliably, where and when it is required," said Capgemini Global Head of Energy and Utilities Claire Gauthier.

But sadly, instead of focusing on the source, only 45% of those surveyed use AI to optimize energy distribution. And with energy demand on the rise – with no end in sight – optimizing the grid could be the most critical step for efficiently distributing energy.

If nothing else, the recent heatwave has put the grid’s reliability and ability to deliver energy quickly and efficiently under a 100°+ microscope.