In a first, Google has released data on how much energy an AI prompt uses
3 days ago
- #sustainability
- #AI energy consumption
- #Google Gemini
- Google released data on energy consumption of AI prompts, with a median prompt using 0.24 watt-hours.
- The report includes detailed calculations of energy, water consumption, and carbon emissions for Gemini AI queries.
- AI chips account for 58% of energy use, while supporting infrastructure like CPUs, memory, and backup equipment make up the rest.
- Google's energy estimates are based on median usage, with complex queries consuming significantly more energy.
- Energy efficiency has improved, with a 33-fold reduction in energy use per prompt from May 2024 to May 2025.
- Each prompt emits 0.03 grams of CO2 and uses 0.26 milliliters of water, based on Google's clean energy purchases.
- The report is a step toward transparency but lacks details like total daily queries, limiting full energy demand estimates.
- Researchers advocate for standardized AI energy ratings similar to Energy Star for appliances.