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Data centers drive higher electricity demand and coal use

Power demand from data centers is projected to require 90-100 gigawatts of additional capacity. Coal currently supplies 15-17 percent of U.S. electricity after declining from 50 percent in 2007. Utilities may retain or restart coal plants to meet the projected load.

cnbc.com
1 source·May 17, 10:22 PM(11 days ago)·1m read
Data centers drive higher electricity demand and coal usenews.ycombinator.com
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Power demand tied to data-center construction is expected to require 90 to 100 gigawatts of new electricity supply, according to engineering firm Babcock & Wilcox. 4 billion contract with Base Electron, a project backed by Applied Digital.

U.S. electricity in 2007 and now supplies 15-17 percent, still generating between 173 and 190 gigawatts. President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have directed federal policy to maintain coal capacity as part of grid reliability planning.

50 on May 16 to strengthen its balance sheet ahead of expansion work. 85 the previous day. Short seller Wolfpack Research has questioned the Applied Digital contract and noted that B. Riley, the underwriter, is under Securities and Exchange Commission review.

Key Facts

90-100 GW
additional electricity capacity needed for data centers
15-17%
current share of U.S. electricity from coal
$2.7 billion
Babcock & Wilcox current backlog
energydata-centerselectricity-demandcoalpotus

Story Timeline

3 events
  1. May 16, 2026

    Babcock & Wilcox sold 10.8 million shares at $18.50.

    1 sourcecnbc.com
  2. May 15, 2026

    Babcock & Wilcox stock closed at $21.85.

    1 sourcecnbc.com
  3. 2026

    Babcock & Wilcox reported a $2.7 billion backlog including a $2.4 billion contract.

    1 sourcecnbc.com

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Utilities may delay coal-plant retirements to meet projected power demand.

  2. 02

    Babcock & Wilcox may receive additional engineering contracts for coal-related projects.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count125 words
PublishedMay 17, 2026, 10:22 PM
Bias signals removed1 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 1
Original Sources
cnbc.comAI's insatiable appetite for electricity could revive a forsaken energy source

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