The IEA's report on the impact of AI on global energy reveals a forecasted doubling of energy used by data centers in five years, driven predominantly by AI. This alarming projection suggests that data centers could consume enough electricity to power millions of households by 2030; however, there’s a potential upside. AI could enhance efficiencies in power systems, optimize renewable energy outputs, and support innovation in green technologies. Yet, without concerted governmental action to create enabling conditions, the overall effect of AI on emissions and climate change could remain limited.
"With the rise of AI, the energy sector is at the forefront of one of the most important technological revolutions of our time," said Fatih Birol, IEA's executive director.
AI can help to optimise power grids, increase the energy output of solar and wind farms through better weather forecasting, and detect leaks in vital infrastructure.
However, the IEA warned that the combined impact of these AI-powered solutions would be 'marginal' unless governments create the necessary 'enabling conditions.'
The net impact of AI on emissions - and therefore climate change - will depend on how AI applications are managed by our societies, governments, and companies.
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