Salesforce Warns: AI Data Centers Could Consume 3% of Global Electricity by 2030

In a new research release, tech giant Salesforce has flagged concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) data centers could account for 3% of global electricity consumption by 2030. The warning comes as the cloud-based customer relationship management company highlights escalating environmental challenges within the AI sector.

Salesforce’s recently published AI Sustainability Outlook delves into the impact of AI on resource usage, particularly focusing on energy consumption and water utilization across data center operations. Sunya Norman, Senior Vice President of Impact at Salesforce, emphasizes the company’s role as a leading player in agentic AI brings with it responsibilities concerning trust and sustainability.