New Delhi, Oct. 27 -- Energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are expected to drive a sharp rise in power consumption, with data center power usage projected to increase by 160 per cent by 2030, according to a report by Goldman Sachs.

The report noted that after nearly a decade of flat power demand growth, the emergence of AI-driven data centers is set to transform the global energy landscape.

It stated "data center power usage is expected to increase +160 per cent by 2030, driven by energy intensive AI data centers"

The report highlighted that power generation is only one part of the issue, as transmission remains a significant bottleneck in bringing new power plants online.

Citing the example of United States, the...