Data centers use just 0.85% of global primary energy, math vs. the doom narrative
DarinFeinstein · x · 2026-10-19
Citing Energy Institute and IEA data, Darin Feinstein runs the numbers on AI's energy footprint: the world generates 167,000 TWh of primary energy annually, while data centers used 485 TWh of electricity in 2025 (projected 560 TWh for 2026). Factoring in conversion losses from coal, gas and nuclear plants, that's 1,400 TWh of primary energy — only about 0.85% of the global total. His point: the 'data centers will drain the grid' doomer narrative doesn't survive the math.
Related event: Data Centers Consume Only 0.85% of Global Primary Energy(2 posts)→
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