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Data Starter: Energy use by data centers and AI

Elizabeth Veal

22nd September 2026

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How much energy is used by AI and data centers?

Using the OurWorldinData chart, (scroll down to the bar chart) do these data calculation questions:

  1. Identify two significant features of the bar charts showing TWh usage of non-AI focused data centers and AI-focused data centers.
  2. Using the data, prove that ‘Most growth in data center demand is expected to come from AI’.

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Elizabeth Veal

Liz has taught Economics for over 25 years, including several years as Head of Economics at leading schools.

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