Interior Secretary Burgum Warns of ‘Real Energy Emergency,’ Urges More Data Centers and Energy to Compete With China in AI Race

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has emphasized the urgent need to build more data centers and increase energy production to maintain the country's competitiveness in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race against China. Speaking at the National Energy Dominance Council and the Hill & Valley Forum, Burgum highlighted that America's AI ambitions rely heavily on expanding data center infrastructure and securing sufficient power supply. He warned of a 'real energy emergency' that could allow China to dominate the AI sector due to its current energy advantages. Burgum also stated that the U.S. is not undergoing an energy transition but rather an 'energy addition,' underscoring the necessity to maximize energy output to support technological growth. These remarks come amid concerns over China's overwhelming energy dominance fueling its AI advancements.