U.S. Data Centers Projected to Outpace Germany and Japan in Natural Gas Consumption by 2035
According to a new report from BloombergNEF, U.S. data centers are projected to consume more natural gas than Germany and Japan combined by 2035 due to the rapid expansion driven largely by AI development. The forecast estimates consumption at around 18 billion cubic feet per day—nearly double what was predicted nine months ago—and accounts for not all announced projects being completed. The report highlights that on-site natural gas power plants, planned by companies like Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, will account for about 3.4 billion cubic feet of daily consumption by 2035—equivalent to current total data center usage. However, the majority of growth is expected from grid-connected facilities, which could add another 15 billion cubic feet per day in natural gas demand. This surge may lead to higher natural gas prices and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Analysts warn that rising LNG exports combined with this new demand could strain energy markets and utility ratepayers. The additional carbon dioxide from data centers is projected to reach one million metric tons daily, equivalent to 12% of current U.S. emissions.
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Topics: Climate impact Data centers Natural gas consumption Tech industry energy use