AI buildout hits a power wall: US data centers to consume 11.8% of electricity by 2030

A DEV Community analysis argues that with $700–730 billion in 2026 hyperscaler capex, power — not money — is the real constraint. LBNL puts US data-center electricity at 521–843 TWh by 2030 (reference case 649 TWh, 11.8% of all US power), while Goldman Sachs sees demand rising from 31 GW in 2025 to 66 GW in 2027.

• Hyperscaler capex hits $700–730 billion in 2026, up 70–80% year over year
• LBNL: US data centers to use 521–843 TWh by 2030, reference case 649 TWh (11.8%)
• Goldman Sachs: demand grows from 31 GW in 2025 to 66 GW in 2027
• Big Tech has contracted over 10 GW of new nuclear, but real electrons arrive only in 2027–2033