AI drives 48% increase in Google GHG emissions

The tech giant’s goal of reducing its climate footprint is at risk as it grows increasingly reliant on energy-hungry data centres. Overall, Google says about two thirds of its energy is derived from carbon-free sources but it’s obviously not enough. Dan Milmo discusses Google’s challenges in an article on the Guardian website. Google’s emissions … Continue reading AI drives 48% increase in Google GHG emissions →

Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all

Big tech is playing its part in reaching net zero targets, but its vast new datacentres are run at huge cost to the environment. Mariana Mazzucato, professor in the economics of innovation and public value at University College London, discusses the carbon footprint of ChatGPT in an article on the Guardian website. The ugly … Continue reading Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all →

Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024

With elections for the European Parliament approaching on June 6-9, predictions are for a surge of right wing parties and a consequent erosion of the climate and energy agenda. According to The Economist election tracker, “the environment, including terms such as “climate change”, is a hot topic on the continent’s fringes: it’s most often searched … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024 →

Generative AI is an energy hog

Chris Baraniuk writes on the BBC News website about the impact on electricity grids from the growth in generative AI. Electricity grids creak as AI demands soar There’s a big problem with generative AI, says Sasha Luccioni at Hugging Face, a machine-learning company. Generative AI is an energy hog. “Every time you query the … Continue reading Generative AI is an energy hog →

AI can make a significant contribution to tackling climate change

In an article on The Conversation website, Kirk Chang, Professor of Management and Technology, University of East London and Alina Vaduva, Director of the Business Advice Centre for Post Graduate Students at UEL, Ambassador of the Centre for Innovation, Management and Enterprise, University of East London, discuss the potential of AI to help address climate … Continue reading AI can make a significant contribution to tackling climate change →

Energy in Demand News, February 18, 2024

Financing the climate and energy transition is facing ever more difficulties – as I’m sure you see in your own country. At the global level, COP26 in Glasgow approved the Just Energy Transition Partnerships, a landmark climate finance framework endorsed by world leaders as a way to fund the green transition in poorer countries. However, … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 18, 2024 →

Yes, AI systems consume a lot of energy but they also can be a force for good in addressing climate change

In an article on the Conversation website, Lakshmi Babu Saheer, Director of Computing Informatics and Applications Research Group, Anglia Ruskin University defends the important role that AI is playing in addressing climate change, even given the energy consumption concerns. Dr. Saheer fully admits that more is needed to reduce consumption. Four ways AI could … Continue reading Yes, AI systems consume a lot of energy but they also can be a force for good in addressing climate change →

Almost one-in-three renewables professionals already use AI technologies

Stuart Stone writes on the Business Green website about the increasing use of AI technologies in the renewables sector. Are you finding the same results? Study: Renewable energy industry 'ahead of the curve' on AI adoption Almost one-in-three renewables professionals already use AI technologies, according to eighth instalment of annual Global Energy Talent Index … Continue reading Almost one-in-three renewables professionals already use AI technologies →

Energy in Demand News, January 28, 2024

There is encouraging good news that carbon emissions dropped in the EU in 2023. The Guardian reported on analysis from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) showing that the EU “pumped out 8% less carbon dioxide from the fossil fuels it burned in 2023 than it did in 2022.” Crea analyst … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 28, 2024 →

“Discussions of AI overlook one significant environmental risk: a potential increase in energy consumption from using it in everyday activities”

In an article on The Conversation website, Felippa Amanta, PhD Candidate, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford writes about how AI could actually lead us to wasting more energy. AI is supposed to make us more efficient – but it could mean we waste more energy The European Union is negotiating an Artificial Intelligence … Continue reading “Discussions of AI overlook one significant environmental risk: a potential increase in energy consumption from using it in everyday activities” →