AI, the new challenge of the energy transition
The electricity needs of data centers will double by 2026, according to the IEA. We hear from the media, business and activists about air pollution, CO2 emissions from transport and industry… And finally, digital pollution is left behind.
Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize many sectors. But this promising technology also raises new challenges for the energy transition.
AI systems require immense amounts of data and computing power, resulting in massive energy consumption.
This explosion in energy demand is at odds with objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The datacenters and cloud infrastructures essential to AI could see their carbon footprint explode in the years to come.
Energy and digital players need to promote the use of alternative energies, develop smart hybrid networks and design energy-efficient data centers. They face a lack of resources and uneven deployment of AI solutions, which are still holding back the energy sector.
Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and developing more energy-efficient AI technologies are therefore priorities. Otherwise, the benefits of AI risk being wiped out by its unprecedented environmental impact.
The growth of AI represents both a tremendous opportunity for progress, and a major challenge for a sustainable and responsible energy transition. It’s a challenge that AI and energy players need to meet hand in hand.
