Goldman Sachs Warns of Nationwide US Power Grid Strain by 2030 Amid AI Boom

U.S. Power Grids Headed for Critical Strain

As artificial intelligence expands rapidly, the data centers powering this revolution are becoming massive energy consumers. A new Goldman Sachs report reveals that nearly every major U.S. power grid is on track to face dangerously low reserve margins within the next decade. By 2030, the firm projects, most regional systems will operate below safe thresholds.

The Looming Reserve Deficit

Electric grids typically maintain at least 15% spare capacity to handle peak loads or outages. However, Samantha Dart, head of Goldman Sachs’ global commodities research, warns that several grids are already below this benchmark. ‘We’re not adding generation fast enough,’ she emphasized, citing a widening gap between supply growth and surging demand.

Data Centers Driving Unprecedented Demand

• AI training and cloud computing are fueling double-digit annual power demand growth
• One hyperscale facility can consume as much as a mid-sized city
• Grid infrastructure upgrades are lagging behind technological adoption

Analysts caution that without accelerated investment in clean energy and grid modernization, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global tech race due to energy constraints.