AI Will Burn More Coal
AI data centers are supposed to be the most electricity-hungry sector in history. They will be stressing an unstable grid, making utilities scramble for energy sources. In some cases, renewables will not grow fast enough, nor will the construction or refurbishment of nuclear reactors. That leaves fossil fuels to create the supply, most of which is likely to be coal.
According to Bloomberg, “While renewables and storage is expected to make up more than half of the power capacity needed by 2035 to meet data center demand, almost two-thirds of additional electricity generation will come from fossil fuels like coal and gas, BNEF said Tuesday in its New Energy Outlook report. That’s because of the possibility of data centers helping to extend the life of existing coal and gas plants, the report said.”
Fossil Fuels And Electricity
About 60% of electricity is generated by fossil fuel-powered locations. Sixteen percent of the total generation is from coal. According to the NRDC, “Regardless of variety, however, all coal is dirty. Indeed, in terms of emissions, it’s the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel we can burn.”
There are no alternatives. AI data farms are only part of the reason for surging demand. The two others are air conditioning, which is used more often because of global warming, and Bitcoin mining.
If anything alters the course of green energy’s contribution to the environment, it will be coal. If the world wants AI, that is the only choice.
More from ClimateCrisis 247
- AI Data Center Electricity Need To Double By 2030
- AI Centers Cause Jump In Drought
- Gas Pumps May Get Air Pollution Warning Stickers
- World Is Running Out Of Uranium
