US Data Centers May Consume More Natural Gas Than Germany and Japan by 2035

The rapid expansion of artificial‑intelligence (AI) services is expected to drive U.S. data centers toward becoming one of the world’s largest consumers of natural gas. As companies deploy more powerful machine‑learning models, the amount of electricity required for computation and cooling is rising sharply. To meet this demand, many data‑center operators are turning to natural‑gas‑fired power plants, which can provide high‑capacity, on‑site generation that is often cheaper and more reliable than grid power in certain regions.

Industry estimates indicate that natural‑gas usage in U.S. data centers could grow by more than 30 % over the next decade, approaching the consumption levels of the country’s transportation and industrial sectors combined. The shift is driven by the need for rapid, scalable power that can be added without the long lead times associated with renewable infrastructure. While natural gas emits less carbon per kilowatt‑hour than coal, the projected increase in consumption raises concerns about overall greenhouse‑gas emissions and the long‑term sustainability of data‑center operations.

Policymakers and energy analysts are monitoring the trend closely, as it could influence future regulations on carbon intensity and renewable energy mandates for data‑center operators. The growing natural‑gas footprint underscores the need for coordinated efforts to integrate cleaner energy sources and improve energy efficiency in the AI‑driven computing sector.