AI won't use as much electricity as we are told
6 hours ago
- #AI-energy
- #renewables
- #efficiency
- Dire predictions about AI's electricity consumption (9-25% of US electricity by 2032) mirror past exaggerated claims about PCs and data centers.
- Historical predictions (e.g., PCs using 50% of US electricity) were incorrect; efficiency improvements have kept IT electricity use at 1-2% globally.
- Generative AI currently accounts for only 5-10% of IT budgets; even significant growth would have a minimal impact on overall electricity demand.
- Efficiency gains (e.g., ARM's 25%-50% improvements in processors) and ending wasteful practices like cryptocurrency mining could offset AI's energy use.
- Exaggerated predictions often stem from fossil fuel interests or degrowth advocates, not actual data trends.
- AI's electricity demand is unlikely to disrupt renewable energy transitions or cause an electricity crisis.