As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented growth in data center scale, density, and power demand, operators face mounting pressure to balance performance, reliability, and sustainability. This technical brief explores how AI is reshaping data center energy consumption and outlines the resulting challenges for power grids, utilities, and facility operators. It examines why traditional, static power models are no longer sufficient and highlights how modernized, digitized power infrastructure—enhanced by AI-driven monitoring, control, and optimization—can improve energy efficiency, grid stability, and carbon accountability. Drawing on real-world trends and use cases, the brief provides a practical framework for aligning AI-driven growth with long-term sustainability goals across the data center ecosystem.
