The rapid expansion of AI data centers is creating a surge in demand for aluminum, placing significant strain on the US aluminum industry. According to a discussion on Reddit’s r/artificialintelligence, the metal-intensive needs of data centers, coupled with the growing electric vehicle market, are contributing to rising aluminum prices. Data centers rely heavily on aluminum for crucial components like cooling systems and server infrastructure. A key challenge, however, lies in the massive power consumption of these facilities. The escalating electricity demand, driven by AI, is driving up electricity prices, negatively impacting aluminum smelters who are energy-intensive. Bank of America projects a five-to-tenfold increase in US electricity demand over the next decade, significantly outpacing previous growth rates. The original Reddit discussion can be found here: [https://old.reddit.com/r/artificial/comments/1p8y39c/ai_data_centers_massive_demand_for_aluminum_is/]
AI Data Center Boom Fuels Aluminum Demand, Pressures US Smelters
