Artificial intelligence is transforming industries—but it comes with a growing environmental cost. According to new projections, AI data centers could consume more electricity than Bitcoin mining by the end of 2025.
Researcher Alex de Vries-Gao has estimated that AI-focused data centers could use as much as 23 gigawatts of electricity globally. This would exceed the estimated 20 gigawatts currently consumed by Bitcoin mining operations. The forecast is based on an in-depth analysis of the semiconductor supply chain, including data on chip production and deployment.
A key factor in this surge is the rapid expansion of chip manufacturing. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), one of the leading suppliers of high-performance chips for AI workloads, reportedly doubled its capacity between 2023 and 2024. This increase supports the accelerated rollout of AI infrastructure worldwide.
The findings, originally reported by The Verge, highlight the need for sustainable development in both the AI and crypto industries. As demand for powerful computing continues to grow, so too does the urgency for energy-efficient technologies and greener practices.
