Energy consumption is only one part of AI’s broader environmental impact

In an article on The Conversation website, Hamish van der Ven, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Business Management of Natural Resources, University of British Columbia, argues that social and political mediums through which AI affects the planet are far more insidious and, arguably, more consequential for the future of humanity. AI is bad for the … Continue reading Energy consumption is only one part of AI’s broader environmental impact →

Energy in Demand News, January 26, 2025

Apart from watching what is going on in Washington DC , our attention has understandably focused again this week on the devastation in the Los Angeles area from the continuing wildfires. The total area affected was recently estimated at more than 16,000 hectares and it is going to take years and a lot of money … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 26, 2025 →

AI presents opportunities and challenges in the energy landscape

Ginelle Greene-Dewasmes, Initiatives Lead, Artificial Intelligence and Energy, World Economic Forum and Thapelo Tladi, Lead, Energy Initiatives, World Economic Forum write on the WEF website about AI’s opportunities and challenges. What are your views? AI's energy dilemma: Challenges, opportunities, and a path forward The energy demand of data centres, including hyper-scale facilities and micro … Continue reading AI presents opportunities and challenges in the energy landscape →

AI poses a potential sustainability problem, but can it also be the solution?

In an article on the Data Center Dynamics website, Stephen Magennis argues that AI-driven systems that predict, adapt, and optimise data center resources are leading the way, showing that it’s possible to meet the world’s growing demand for data while working towards a greener future. Mr. Magennis is from Expleo, a global engineering, technology and … Continue reading AI poses a potential sustainability problem, but can it also be the solution? →

The environmental benefits from the world’s tallest bridge in France shows how transport infrastructure policy can have a direct impact on decarbonisation

In an article on The Conversation website, Florimond Gueniat, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Birmingham City University discusses the environmental benefits of the Millau Viaduct in the south of France. How the world’s tallest bridge saves thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions Measured from ground level to the top of its highest tower, the … Continue reading The environmental benefits from the world’s tallest bridge in France shows how transport infrastructure policy can have a direct impact on decarbonisation →

Energy in Demand News, January 12, 2025

The devastation from the wildfires in the Los Angeles area is a human tragedy beyond belief. It only adds to those who are suffering globally from droughts, floods and other climate-related disasters. An article on the Financial Times (behind a paywall) counts the cost from catastrophes in 2024. “Hurricanes, fires and other disasters caused $320bn … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 12, 2025 →

France’s energy transition: “The fact that emissions are on the rise again should be an electroshock for this new government”

Audrey Garric writes on the Le Monde website about latest developments in France’s energy transition. GHG emissions rose again in the third quarter of 2024. Other indicators are in the red, such as the pace of energy retrofits and vehicle electrification. The green transition: Is France veering off course? It's probably not the Christmas … Continue reading France’s energy transition: “The fact that emissions are on the rise again should be an electroshock for this new government” →

Update on Scotland’s green ambitions

The Energy Saving Trust has recently published its report on progress in Scotland entitled “Supporting Scotland’s Green Ambitions: December 2024 report.” The Energy Saving Trust receives many enquiries about how the programmes it delivers on behalf of the Scottish Government work and what changes they deliver on the ground. These are from both organisations seeking … Continue reading Update on Scotland’s green ambitions →

Energy in Demand News, January 5, 2025

The Italian energy giant Eni has just fired up the world’s most powerful supercomputer outside the US as it races rivals to build the technology infrastructure needed to better explore for new sources of oil and gas. The supercomputer cost €100 million, reports the Financial Times (behind a paywall). The supercomputer took fifth place in … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 5, 2025 →

There is much to look forward to in Europe if you love trains

In an article on the Guardian website, the Spanish journalist María Ramírez gives her views the joy of travelling by train in Europe but competing with budget airlines will take work on ticket prices, infrastructure and integration. What are your views? I love to travel Europe by train. But here’s what a joined-up 21st-century … Continue reading There is much to look forward to in Europe if you love trains →