Power is the key to solving AI's energy crisis - Fast Company

Published 4 months ago• 2 minute read

research indicates that a major shift is happening in consumption patterns, where sustainability is considered a baseline requirement for purchase rather than a “nice-to-have.”

AI’s surge began nearly 4 years ago, with headlines predicting its potential impact. AI has continued to evolve and its capabilities have become increasingly fine-tuned. It is now seen as a transformative force, anticipated to revolutionize global economies and industries, specifically in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. For example, regions such as the United Kingdom are planning to leverage AI’s capabilities across its public and private sectors to cut costs and spur economic growth.

However, harnessing this advanced technology’s power brings considerable challenges, specifically in energy consumption and its environmental impact. AI’s computational requirements are increasingly energy-intensive, especially as data centers—which power all AI functions—require more power to manage the boundless amounts of data flowing in. This surge in energy demand strains the electrical grid, creating a tipping point for power that risks progress made over the last decade in reducing our carbon footprint.

As we look toward the future, energy efficiency is the key to ensuring that this technological progress doesn’t advance at the expense of our environment. Power system innovation, for example, can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs while still meeting the growing AI demands. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources and improving energy management systems can help mitigate AI’s overall environmental impact.

We stand at a pivotal moment where innovation and collaboration are essential to improving efficiency through new technologies, all while maintaining a strong focus on the common sustainability theme. To overcome today’s challenges and achieve a sustainable future, we must explore and cooperate across various industries. It’s crucial that we support AI’s continued growth without compromising the significant progress individuals and enterprises have made in reducing carbon emissions for more sustainable supply chains and a more sustainable world.

Felicity Carson is SVP and chief marketing officer at onsemi.

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