BNEF Raises U.S. Data Center Power Outlook as AI Buildout Strains Capacity

BloombergNEF has sharply increased its forecast for U.S. data center electricity demand, lifting its 2035 estimate to 194 GW from 106 GW in its December outlook. The report says data centers could account for roughly 20% of U.S. electricity use by 2035 and still face a 19 GW supply gap even if grid connection activity stays at a record pace. The revised forecast reflects the growing pipeline of AI facilities rather than only projects already under construction, and the article also notes that delays, cancellations, and long transformer lead times remain constraints. For RamTrend, the signal is that AI infrastructure demand is still expanding, which can support medium-term demand for server memory, although the power and grid bottlenecks may slow how quickly that demand converts into deployed hardware.