This piece examines the critical role of energy in advancing AI technology, highlighting the US’s lag compared to China’s rapid renewable energy capacity buildout. It notes the increasing electricity demand from US data centers, which are struggling to offset that demand with efficiency gains, resulting in higher electricity prices. The author argues that without a significant change in energy policy and infrastructure, the US risks becoming a consumer rather than an innovator in both energy and AI tech.
Furthermore, the article points out that while renewable energy projects are declining in the US, countries like China are successfully expanding their renewable energy sources, which aids their AI advancement. The necessity for data centers to adapt their energy consumption patterns, especially during peak grid stress times, is presented as a potential solution. Ultimately, the piece raises concerns about whether the US can leverage AI’s potential benefits while overcoming these energy challenges, particularly as comparisons with global trends continue to unfold, notably China’s progress in both AI and renewable energy sectors.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review – AI