Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industries across the world, from healthcare and manufacturing to financial services and logistics. Its impact on the energy sector, however, could be one of the most significant. While AI is expected to increase electricity demand through the rapid growth of data centres and digital infrastructure, it also offers an opportunity to make power systems more efficient, reliable and responsive. According to Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, AI should be seen not only as a driver of electricity demand but also as a technology that can improve the way energy is generated, managed and delivered.
The growing adoption of AI is creating a significant need for reliable electricity. Modern data centres operate around the clock, processing enormous volumes of information and supporting AI applications that require uninterrupted power. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global data centres consumed around 415 TWh of electricity in 2024. By 2030, this figure is expected to reach nearly 945 TWh, driven largely by the rapid expansion of AI-powered computing and digital infrastructure. As countries race to build digital infrastructure, ensuring a stable and dependable power supply is becoming just as important as expanding computing capacity.
According to Ratul Puri, AI-driven industries will require reliable, high-quality electricity at all times. He believes this presents an opportunity for India to strengthen its energy infrastructure while supporting the country's digital growth. As investments in AI continue to rise, building dependable generation capacity, stronger transmission networks and modern grid infrastructure will become increasingly important for sustaining economic growth.
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