June 26th, 2024

Taking a closer look at AI's supposed energy apocalypse

Artificial intelligence's impact on energy consumption in data centers is debated. Current data shows AI's energy use is a fraction of overall consumption, with potential growth by 2027. Efforts to enhance efficiency are crucial.

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Taking a closer look at AI's supposed energy apocalypse

The article discusses the perceived impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on energy consumption, particularly in data centers. While recent reports suggest AI's energy demands could strain power grids, a closer examination reveals that the majority of energy usage in data centers predates the AI boom. Data centers have been expanding for years to support various online services, with AI being just a fraction of their overall energy consumption. Estimates indicate that AI-related energy usage could reach significant levels by 2027 but would still represent a small portion of global electricity demand. Efforts to improve cost efficiency in deploying generative AI models may help mitigate energy consumption. Despite concerns raised by some sources, the data suggests that AI's energy impact, while substantial, is not as catastrophic as portrayed in some media reports. The broader context of data center energy usage, encompassing various online services beyond AI, remains a significant factor in global energy consumption trends.

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