Asking ChatGPT a question uses 10 times more power than a Google search

The demand for electricity for artificial intelligence (AI) is growing explosively and is set to surpass the electricity consumption of cryptocurrencies this year. Currently, that amounts to around 200 terawatt-hours per year, roughly twice the total electricity consumption of the Netherlands.

According to research by Dutch data scientist Alex de Vries-Gao (VU Amsterdam), AI could use up to half of global data centre capacity by the end of 2025, mainly due to the AI race between American and Chinese tech companies.

AI requires large amounts of energy because of complex models and specialised chips. For example, a ChatGPT search uses around ten times more electricity than a Google search. Tech companies are investing in ever-larger models, further pushing up energy consumption.

While AI could help to save energy, for instance in the agricultural sector or supermarkets, this potential remains uncertain. De Vries-Gao stresses that companies must be more transparent about their energy usage. Without intervention, soaring demand will lead to greater use of fossil fuels. He argues that the responsibility does not lie with users, but with the companies that want to roll out AI everywhere without thoroughly considering its necessity.

(PP with DC - Source: NRC - Picture: © Unsplash)