No AI without energy: the IEA on data centres

According to the International Energy Agency's report Key Questions on Energy and AI, reported in April 2026, electricity demand from data centres grew 17% in 2025, more than five times the 3% growth of overall global electricity demand, while technology companies spent over US$400 billion on AI infrastructure. The IEA projects that data-centre electricity demand will double by 2030, with AI-related demand tripling, and that AI infrastructure spending could rise by a further 75% in 2026. Shortages of gas turbines, transformers and advanced semiconductors, together with regulatory delays, are slowing grid connections. On the other side of the ledger, existing AI applications could cut energy costs in heavy industries by 3% to 10%, though adoption is uneven. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol summarised the point: there is no AI without energy. Why it matters: AI governance is also energy and infrastructure governance. Source: W.Media, 20 April 2026, reporting the IEA report.