IEA Reports Surge in Data Centre Electricity Use in 2025 Despite Bottleneck Challenges
In 2025, electricity consumption by artificial intelligence data centres surged significantly, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This increase occurred even amid tightening operational bottlenecks, which have intensified the scramble for sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
The rise in electricity usage underscores the growing demand for AI computing power globally. The IEA's Executive Director was named in the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people for the second time on 15 April 2026, highlighting the increasing prominence of energy security issues.
Concurrently, on 13 April 2026, the Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank Group issued a joint statement addressing related energy concerns. Notably, the IEA and Mexico co-hosted discussions focused on energy efficiency and demand management, reflecting Mexico's active engagement in tackling these challenges.
The ongoing bottlenecks in data centre operations pose risks to energy security and require coordinated international efforts for resolution. This development has important implications for energy demand forecasts and infrastructure planning given the accelerating AI sector's growth.
Mexico's participation alongside global agencies signals coordinated regional and international responses to the intensified electricity requirements associated with AI data centres.
