AI's Massive Energy Appetite Spurs Calls for Clean Energy Innovation
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Artificial intelligence systems like GPT-3 consume massive amounts of electricity, comparable to entire countries. AI is projected to use 3.5% of global electricity by 2030.
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says energy breakthroughs are urgently needed, especially in carbon-free energy like fusion, to power future AI.
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Training GPT-3 emitted over 500 tonnes of CO2 and used enough electricity to power 121 US homes for a year. OpenAI spends $700,000 daily on computing for ChatGPT.
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Altman is investing in nuclear fusion and fission companies to help deliver the immense energy AI will require.
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While energy-intensive, AI could also enable climate action by transforming energy systems, forecasting renewables, optimizing efficiency, and advancing materials research.