Data centers are eating up electricity like never before—8.9% of U.S. power consumption, according to the IEA, with Virginia alone at 26%. By 2028, data centers could hit 12% nationally, fueled by AI’s relentless growth. AI demands gigawatts, with natural gas and nuclear energy stepping up to meet it. Globally, the U.S. leads (53.7 gigawatts capacity with data centers at 8.9% of total power consumption), dwarfing the EU (4.8%) and China (2.3%).
This surge isn’t just about power—it’s a regulatory minefield for DefenseTech and FinTech startups. Data centers supporting AI, blockchain, and military tech face environmental compliance, energy permits, and cybersecurity rules. Missteps can stall projects or spike costs, especially for founders navigating federal and state regulations.
Notably, the interest in AI is broad and multi-factional, whereas the last technology craze, crypto, blockchain and DLTs, remained niche until recently. Crypto fought significant adoption and reputational headwinds as a result of its energy consumption. AI’s multi-factional support has thawed the freeze on nuclear energy and blockchain and digital assets may be the silent winners as result.
Post Date: September 19, 2025