The Pacific Northwest is expected to witness a substantial surge in electricity demand over the next two decades based on an energy forecast by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The demand for electricity is projected to grow annually by 1.8% to 3.1% until 2046, driven by factors such as the increasing presence of data centers, rising numbers of electric vehicles, computer chip manufacturing, and the production of 'green hydrogen.' Green hydrogen production involves the electrolysis process of splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrical current. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council anticipates that data centers will play a significant role in driving near-term electricity demand growth. Furthermore, energy demand from data centers and electric vehicles in the region is predicted to be equal by 2046, with electric vehicle demand likely to surpass data center demand post-2046. The council's upcoming ninth Northwest Regional Power Plan is set to address this growing demand and ensure access to efficient, economical, and reliable power for residents in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and western Montana. The forecast suggests that regions like eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, Portland, and the Boise metro area will experience substantial growth in energy demand attributed to data centers and computer chip manufacturing. The regional power plan is anticipated to be finalized by late 2026, outlining strategies to manage the escalating electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest.