Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the greatest technological transformations of our age, but if you care about the environment, the amount of energy needed by this technology could make you reconsider about using it.
AI Requires a Lot of Energy
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global data center electricity demand is projected to more than double from 2022 to 2026, largely due to AI. This is a key sustainability and compliance risk that management and boards need to consider carefully as they position their organizations for success in the AI age.
A report by the Global Risk Institute suggests that it’s possible for synergistic advancements, in both renewables and energy efficiency measures, to help offset elevated electricity demands from increasing use of AI.
In Canada, it’s increasingly important to ensure that the energy mix powering data centers is reliable enough to meet growing demands. By leveraging traditional and renewable energy sources, technological progress can be supported while maintaining a sustainable and reliable energy system.
Did you know that generative AI (genAI) uses 30 times more energy than a traditional search engine? At present where integrating AI technology further into our lives seems to be unavoidable, with conversational bots, connected devices, or in online searches, Canadian computer scientist and researcher Sasha Luccioni advocates "energy sobriety."
Energy sobriety involves consciously taking steps to reduce energy consumption. Think about it—every time you ask a question, stream a video, save photos in the cloud, or scroll through social media, massive data centers filled with powerful computers are constantly working behind the scenes to handle those requests.
These same data centers are also responsible for powering AI applications, which adds on more energy requirement.
Luccioni explains that the language models behind generative AI programs require vast computing power to process billions of data points, demanding highly powerful servers. In fact, previous reports reveal that training ChatGPT used approximately 1,300 megawatt-hours of electricity—the same amount needed to power 130 US homes for an entire year.
Luccioni also demonstrated that producing a high-definition image using artificial intelligence consumes as much energy as fully recharging the battery of your cell phone. Thus, the importance of being intentional and responsible in the use of generative AI has also been pointed out, similar to turning off the lights when you leave the room.
AI for Environment
Canada is a strong advocate for AI-driven environmental innovation, offering various grants and funding programs to support this cause. Initiatives like ‘Horizon AI’ highlight the government's dedication to advancing projects that combine AI technology with environmental protection.
By linking technological progress with ecological preservation, these grants help create a vibrant ecosystem where AI-powered solutions can flourish, driving efforts toward environmental sustainability.
Read more:
UK and Canada Forge New Pathways in AI Collaboration and Innovation
