AI’s energy impact is still small—but how we handle it is huge
1 min read
Summary
The amount of electricity required to power AI systems such as data centres is set to surge in coming years, raising questions about whether it will be sourced sustainably.
Data centres now account for 4.4% of total demand, up from 1.9% in 2018, with one study estimating they could represent between 6% and 12% of US electricity use by 2028.
Data centres in some US states already consume over 10% of the local electricity supply, with that figure rising to 25% in Virginia.
The call is growing for sustainable solutions to be found, including a proposed “Grid New Deal” to rebuild the electricity system for AI with enough capacity for decarbonisation.
Supporters of AI also point out that its potential to integrate renewable energy into the grid and develop new materials and batteries could benefit the environment.