Data centers are turning to onsite power systems as a primary energy source to address a projected 35 GW energy gap by 2030, according to the 2025 Data Center Power Report from Bloom Energy. This growth is being driven by increasing demand for AI and cloud computing, which have strained existing power grids and highlighted the need for innovative energy solutions. The report estimates that 55 GW of data center IT capacity will come online in the next five years in the U.S., more than doubling the 25 GW currently available. Already, 20 GW of capacity has been announced.
Survey findings show that approximately 30% of data centers will adopt onsite power as a primary energy source by 2030, compared to just 14% reported earlier in 2024. Key drivers for this shift include the need for faster time-to-power and the ability to handle more demanding and variable AI workloads. Technologies such as fuel cells are gaining traction as operators seek scalable, reliable solutions to reduce dependence on aging grid infrastructure while collaborating with utilities to meet future power requirements.
• Projected Growth: U.S. data center IT capacity is expected to grow from 25 GW today to 55 GW by 2030, with 20 GW already announced.
• Onsite Power Adoption: 30% of data centers are expected to use onsite power by 2030, more than doubling from early 2024.
• Emerging Technologies: Fuel cells and other onsite energy systems are becoming increasingly popular for scalability and reliability.
• Changing Priorities: Decision-makers are prioritizing time-to-power and AI workload demands over traditional cost and reliability considerations.
“We see AI and cloud computing driving explosive growth in data center demand, and power availability remains the major bottleneck,” said Aman Joshi, Chief Commercial Officer at Bloom Energy. “The 2025 Data Center Power Report reveals that a growing number of data center leaders are turning to onsite power as a primary energy source. This underscores what we’re hearing from customers: they feel the urgency to address economic imperatives while ensuring reliable, scalable energy solutions.”
