As artificial intelligence increased global electricity demand from data centers and changed the way the energy sector works, the International Energy Agency (IEA) launched a new energy and AI observatory, closely monitoring and analysing the interconnection between the energy sector and this rapidly evolving technology.
The observatory includes new interactive tools for exploring data center power consumption and regional digital infrastructure, visualizing these valuable datasets and making them accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. It also features 20 case studies showing how artificial intelligence (AI) is deployed across the energy sector following public calls to present current best practices.
Its release follows the April publication of IEA Special Report, Energy and AI, and provides a comprehensive global analysis on the topic. Based on new datasets and consultations with policymakers, technology sectors, energy industry and international experts, the report found that the effects of AI on the energy environment could be transformative. Electricity demand from the Ai-Optimized Data Center is forecast to more than four times as much by 2030. At the same time, AI is already deployed in the energy industry, unlocking opportunities to reduce costs, increase competitiveness and reduce emissions.
The observatory was first announced in February 2025 by IEA Executive Director Fatibilor at the AI Action Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to make national and international policy decisions on the topic of energy and AI, including ongoing conversations between government and industry organized by Canada's G7 Presidency.
“The IEA is at the forefront of efforts to understand and manage the important link between energy and artificial intelligence. This is quickly emerging as one of the most important technologies of our time,” Billol said. “Based on a recent major report on this subject, this new energy and AI observatory has been developed in consultation with a wide range of partners to underscore our commitment to supporting decision makers around the world as they plan for the future.
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