The recent rise of “generative AI” models has led to a lot of dire predictions about the associated requirements for energy. It has been estimated that AI will consume anything from 9 to 25 per cent of all US electricity by 2032. This article claimed that personal computers would use 50 per cent of US electricity within a decade. The suggestion that electricity demand from AI will overwhelm attempts to decarbonise electricity supply supports the conclusion that we need to stop and reverse growth in all sectors of the economy. But when and if this happens, it won’t be because we have run out of electricity to feed the machines.

Source: Forbes July 30, 2024 12:42 UTC