What happened
U.S. data centers could consume more natural gas than Germany and Japan combined by 2035, according to a TechCrunch report.
The report attributes the projected rise to the AI frenzy, which could push these facilities into the ranks of the world's largest natural gas consumers.
Why it matters
The projection suggests AI infrastructure buildout is not only a computing story but also an energy story, with data centers potentially becoming a major source of gas demand.
If the forecast holds, the scale of that demand would place U.S. data centers alongside some of the largest gas-consuming economies, a shift that could shape energy planning and infrastructure debates.
Key facts
U.S. data centers could consume more natural gas than Germany and Japan combined by 2035.
The AI frenzy could push U.S. data centers to become one of the largest consumers of natural gas in the world.
What to watch next
Whether the projected gas demand materializes will depend on how AI infrastructure growth and energy sourcing decisions unfold between now and 2035.
Watch for further reporting or analysis that quantifies the forecast or details how data centers would secure the additional gas supply.