In the last five years, a brutal increase in the demand for electrical energy has been observed. So much so that some predict that a global blackout could occur in 2024, returning humanity to the Middle Ages. That is why a global summit has been planned.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): a blessing for humanity but problematic from an energy perspective
Undoubtedly, AI has been one of the Great technological advances of humanity. We have all benefited, in one way or another, from its attributes. From financial, academic, research and even recreational systems, it seems present in all areas.
However, it also has its drawbacks, such as its insatiable demand for electricity to power servers in data centers. This is enormous and is continually increasing by a factor of 10 every six months, which represents unprecedented growth.
The increase in demand for AI in numbers
It is estimated that by 2030, electricity demand from AI computing centers will grow by 200%. But more pessimistic expectations say that this increase in energy will be 600%. This It is a very high energy demand factor that cannot go on forever.
So much so that some predict that by 2024 this electricity demand will exceed generation rates. This situation will cause a collapse in the electricity systems, which will take humanity back to the Middle Ages due to the inability to meet it.
In figures, last year throughout the planet the consumption due to Artificial Intelligence servers was on the order of almost 460 terawatt-hours. This represents just over 2% of all electricity that is in use. An immeasurably high value.
To give you an idea of the enormity of the problem, the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that electricity demand by AI data centers will exceed 1,000 terawatt-hours by 2026.
That is, it will approximately be equivalent to all of Japan’s consumption, with its high scale of industrialization. Likewise, if we make a comparison with cryptocurrencies, which demand a large amount of electrical energy, the result is not at all promising.
Since cryptocurrencies are expected to consume around 160 TWh by 2026, with a sustained annual increase of 40% in energy, these numbers are far behind the expected impact on the electrical system from AI.
The big question is: will humanity be able to absorb this increase without additional problems? Or will it be possible, with current systems, to satisfy this increase? To answer both questions, a large investment in electrical infrastructure will be required, but time is against us.
The World Summit convened by the IEA
Although belatedly, the International Energy Agency has decided to take action on the matter. It has therefore called a conference for next month. December 5 in the city of Paris, FranceAttendance is expected from all countries on all five continents.
The event will be called the First Global Conference on Energy and Artificial Intelligence. It will discuss the measures that humanity could take to deal with this brutal increase in electricity demand, including the proposal to use nuclear energy as a possible solution.
In conclusion, although AI is very energy-intensive, the solution would not be to turn off this technology. Although it may seem terrifying, if used properly, it has many benefits to offer humanity. Let’s hope this situation is resolved.
