NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang: AI Computing Demand Has Risen “Substantially”
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said that demand for AI computing has surged dramatically in 2025 as AI advances from basic query answering to complex reasoning. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Huang described the last six months as a period of “substantial” growth in computing needs, driving NVIDIA’s shares up more than 2% on Wednesday and boosting the Nasdaq Composite.
“The demand for computing has gone up substantially,” Huang said. “The AIs are smart enough that everybody wants to use it. We now have two exponentials happening at the same time.”
The Exponential Era of AI
Huang explained that artificial intelligence models are consuming exponential amounts of computing power while simultaneously generating exponential demand because of their effectiveness. This feedback loop, he noted, is fueling a new phase of AI-driven industrial expansion.
“Demand for Blackwell is really, really high,” he said, referring to NVIDIA’s latest generation of GPUs. “I think we’re at the beginning of a new buildout, the beginning of a new industrial revolution.”
Powering the AI Revolution
The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure has raised concerns about power consumption and its impact on availability. NVIDIA recently announced a $100 billion investment in OpenAI’s data center expansion, which will use its GPUs to power up to 10 gigawatts of compute capacity — roughly equivalent to the annual electricity use of 8 million U.S. households or New York City’s peak summer demand.
Huang warned that the United States risks falling behind China if it fails to accelerate power generation for AI workloads. “China is way ahead on energy,” he said, noting Beijing’s faster progress in building out power systems to support AI.
Building Energy for the Future
To meet growing energy needs, Huang suggested that AI companies consider building self-sufficient data centers powered by natural gas and, eventually, nuclear energy. “We should invest in just about every possible way of generating energy,” he said. “Data center self-generated power could move a lot faster than putting it on the grid, and we have to do that.”
Huang’s comments underscore the intertwined future of AI and energy. As demand for high-performance computing accelerates, energy infrastructure could become the deciding factor in which nations lead the next era of technological progress.
Join thousands of practitioners at ODSC AI West 2025, the leading applied data science conference. Gain hands-on training in generative AI, LLMs, RAG, AI Safety, and more through expert-led workshops and bootcamps. Explore cutting-edge tools in the AI Expo Hall, connect with industry leaders, and customize your experience with flexible 1- to 4-day passes. Don’t miss this chance to expand your AI skills and network — register now to secure your spot.
