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US AI data centers projected to become the fifth-largest natural gas consumer in the world by 2035 Published 15 September 26
According to recent projections, US AI data centers are poised to become the fifth-largest consumers of natural gas worldwide by the year 2035. This significant uptick in consumption, expected to reach an increase of 15 billion cubic feet per day, is largely attributable to the surging demand for computing capabilities necessitated by advancements in artificial intelligence technology. As AI continues to integrate into various industries, the energy consumption associated with the infrastructure supporting these technologies is becoming a critical concern.
MonitorConfidence: HighLong term horizon
Published 15 Sept 2026, 14:45 UTC3 min read
Brief
NewsBite reading:US AI Data Centers to Become Fifth-Largest Natural Gas Consumers by 2035
TL;DR
- AI data centers' natural gas consumption projected to rise significantly by 2035.
- Expected to reach fifth-largest status globally in natural gas usage.
- Increase attributed to higher computational demands.
- Consumption expected to rise by 15 billion cubic feet per day.
- Highlights energy concerns related to AI infrastructure.
Interesting facts
- The shift in energy consumption patterns reflects the growing importance of AI technologies.
- Natural gas will play a central role in powering future AI data centers.
What changed
Projected consumption levels of natural gas by AI data centers represent a significant increase.
Unchanged: The immediate infrastructure and AI technology developments remain consistent; only energy consumption expectations have changed.
What we still don't know
- Details on specific AI technologies driving natural gas demand.
- Implications of rising gas consumption on local economies.
Decision signal
Decision brief
Actionable takeaways
- Monitor developments in AI and data center energy consumption.
- Evaluate energy strategies for supporting AI infrastructure sustainably.
- Consider alternative energy sources to offset projected natural gas use.
- Engage in discussions around policies promoting energy efficiency in technology.
Decision signal
Monitor
Technical significance
Meaningful
Competitive impact
Neutral
Source reliability
High
Impact certainty
High
Novelty
Medium
Execution risk
Low
Strategic weight
High
Trend: Accelerating
- Rising energy demands from technology sectors, particularly AI and data processing.
- Increased focus on sustainability in tech industries.
Personalized guidance
Audience lens
Board
- Consider energy investments aligned with emerging AI technology trends.
CTO
- Monitor advancements in energy-efficient technologies for data centers.
Investors
- Evaluate investment opportunities within renewable energy sector.
Policy
- Engage with policymakers on sustainable energy regulations.
Sentiment signal
Sentiment
Overall: NegativeMood: Cautious
The projected rise in energy consumption by AI data centers presents a cautious outlook on future resource management amidst technological growth.
Drivers
Surging demands for AI computational power.Concerns over sustainability and resource usage.
By category
AINegative
The rising energy demands of AI technologies indicate challenges related to sustainability and environmental impact.
DataNegative
Increased natural gas consumption poses risks of elevated environmental impacts associated with data processing.
CloudNegative
The projected energy consumption growth highlights potential sustainability challenges for cloud services powered by AI.
Market signal
Impact & reach
US AI data centers set to become the fifth-largest global natural gas consumers by 2035.
This upcoming shift emphasizes the energy-intensive nature of AI operations, necessitating discussions on sustainability and energy policies to accommodate the rapid technological advancements.
consumersNegative
Increased demand for natural gas may lead to higher costs and environmental impacts on consumers relying on this resource.
Geographic focus
USNegative
Rising natural gas consumption can lead to economic and environmental challenges for the US.
Risk signal
Risk radar
Cybersecurity riskLow
No specific cybersecurity risks identified at this stage.
Data governance riskLow
No immediate data governance risks identified.
Reputational riskMedium
Businesses may face scrutiny over their role in rising energy consumption.
Execution riskLow
Current projections lend confidence in understanding future energy needs.
Infrastructure riskMedium
Dependence on natural gas may present vulnerabilities in power supply reliability.
Geopolitical riskLow
No significant geopolitical implications are identified regarding the data center consumption shifts.
Regulatory riskMedium
Future regulations on energy use in tech sectors could ebb and flow with increased scrutiny.
Supply chain riskMedium
Higher energy demands may disrupt existing supply chains in energy sectors.
Talent displacement riskLow
No indications that talent displacement will result from the industry changes.
AI liability riskLow
No immediate AI liability risks identified.