S&P Global Projects 12%-16% Annual Data Center Growth and 50% Copper Demand Surge
S&P Global released Look Forward: Energy Futures projecting data center demand to rise 12%-16% annually to 2030 and copper demand to 42 million metric tons by 2040. It warns AI-driven loads and Middle East war volatility have ended the linear transition, forcing firms to reassess portfolios in elevated market risk.
1. S&P Global Releases Look Forward: Energy Futures
S&P Global has published its latest Look Forward: Energy Futures report ahead of the 44th Annual CERAWeek, examining how AI growth and geopolitical tensions reshape energy markets. The report integrates analysis from across S&P Global divisions to guide leaders through affordability, reliability, competitiveness and decarbonization challenges.
2. Data Center Power Demand Forecast
The report projects that global data center power demand will increase by 12%-16% annually from 2025 through 2030 as AI applications proliferate, creating unprecedented electricity load growth across the technology sector.
3. Copper Demand Surge Outlook
Materials critical to electrification face sharp demand increases, with copper consumption forecast to rise about 50% from 28.4 million metric tons in 2025 to roughly 42 million metric tons by 2040, driven by power infrastructure and digital network expansions.
4. Strategic Implications for Energy Firms
It asserts that the era of a linear energy transition has ended due to AI-driven load growth and Middle East war volatility, urging energy companies to reassess portfolios, accelerate strategic investments and manage elevated market risk.