AI Power Demand Surges As Green Energy Falters
A new study shows that the electricity used by AI will surge in the years ahead. The data comes from McKinsey Consulting.
The current AI data center use of all US energy is 4.3%. That figure is forecast to jump to 11.7% in 2030.
*Are Data Centers Energy Hogs?
*Homeowners Will Compete For Power
*Real Challenges In California And Texas
There is a theory that these data centers will add jobs in the areas where they are built. There is also a theory that the AI applications run on the servers will displace tens of thousands of jobs that will no longer require humans.
The one sure thing is that the current energy supply nationwide and an aging grid will not be able to supply this excess energy need. In theory, data center owners could create their energy by building small networks likely powered by solar or wind. This approach has not been proven, although large AI users, including Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon, have begun to make trial investments.
Will Traditional Energy Work?
The capacity challenge is also a hurdle for traditional sources of energy. Not enough wind and solar power are available online, and the growth of the two energy sources may not be adequate. This means traditional utilities may need to turn to conventional energy sources, primarily fossil fuels.
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