Trump’s Executive Orders to Tackle AI’s Growing Energy Demands

The Trump Administration is reportedly preparing a new set of executive orders aimed at addressing the increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the United States. These data centers, which are some of the most power-hungry infrastructures globally, have raised the stakes for energy production as AI technology continues to grow.

The new rules could open the door for AI data centers to be built on federal land and streamline the process for power generation projects to connect to the national grid.

According to estimates, a single AI data center could consume up to 700 watts of power per GPU, resulting in significant energy consumption. By 2030, the International Energy Agency predicts that global data centers will require nearly 945 terawatt-hours of electricity, with AI data centers expected to make up a large portion of this demand.

President Trump’s approach to energy policy has included efforts to expand domestic energy supply, such as encouraging oil and gas production. Now, with the surging power needs of AI, the administration is looking to facilitate infrastructure developments that support this growth. The proposed executive orders may expedite the approval process for power generation projects that are in the late stages of development and could allocate federal land for AI data center construction.

The focus on nuclear energy has also been gaining momentum due to its potential to meet the high energy demands of AI. Shares of GE Vernova, a former General Electric nuclear division, have seen significant growth, reflecting the rising interest in nuclear power as a solution to the energy needs of AI technology.

The proposed measures are not without controversy, as they could bring about significant changes to the US energy landscape. Proponents argue that these steps are necessary to keep pace with AI’s energy demands, while critics point out the high costs associated with new nuclear power plants and the potential environmental and societal impacts. Despite these challenges, the Trump administration’s executive orders could reshape how the US meets its energy needs in the age of AI.