Overview
- The Patterns paper by Alex de Vries-Gao estimates AI operations in 2025 produced 32.6–79.7 million tons of CO2 and used 312.5–764.6 billion liters of water, comparable to New York City’s emissions and global bottled-water consumption.
- Global AI power demand could reach about 23 gigawatts in 2025, surpassing electricity used for Bitcoin mining in 2024, according to the analysis.
- Researchers say wide uncertainty remains because companies rarely disclose AI-specific energy and water use, with the study urging stronger, standardized reporting.
- U.S. grid assessments cited by DOE and NERC warn that data center growth, plant retirements and variable renewables require more dispatchable power and clearer interconnection rules.
- Responses are diverging, with 230-plus environmental groups urging a national data center moratorium as operators pursue on-site generation such as gas turbines, explore nuclear support and adopt water-saving cooling even as many facilities sit in high water-stress basins.