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Allianz Study Says Data Centers Are Far More Carbon‑Intensive as AI Drives Fast Growth

The late June 2026 analysis warns higher lifecycle emissions and soaring AI electricity demand could double capacity and strain power and water systems unless renewables and smarter siting scale quickly.

Ein Serverschrank in einem Rechenzentrum
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Rechenzentren sind einer Untersuchung zufolge noch klimaschädlicher als gedacht. Die Klimawirkung der digitalen Infrastruktur sei bislang unterschätzt worden, erklärte der Kreditversicherer Allianz Trade am Dienstag.

Overview

  • The Allianz Trade report published in late June 2026 raises 2025 global data‑center emissions to 286 million tonnes of CO2 by counting indirect lifecycle emissions and transmission losses.
  • Allianz finds AI already uses about 15–20% of data‑center electricity and could account for roughly 40% by 2030, making AI the main driver of rising power demand.
  • More than 70% of data‑center emissions come from electricity use and about 25% come from hardware and infrastructure, and global installed capacity is expected to roughly double by the end of the decade.
  • The climate impact depends on location because grid carbon intensity varies widely, with parts of South and Southeast Asia above 600 gCO2/kWh while Norway and Sweden are below 30 gCO2/kWh.
  • Experts called for faster renewable buildout, siting centers where green power exists, waste‑heat reuse, efficiency standards and using AI to balance grids to avoid large increases in emissions and water stress.