Cryptocurrencies may account for 2.3% of US energy consumption

The U.S. Energy Information Administration has studied the impact of cryptocurrencies on energy demand and estimates that cryptocurrencies may already account for as much as 2.3 per cent of U.S. energy consumption. The analysis shows that data centre energy demand could triple by 2030, accounting for 7.5% of US energy consumption. The controversial surge in cryptocurrency mining is partly to blame, as is the emerging artificial intelligence industry.