AI’s Energy Demands Fuel a Push for Cleaner Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded onto the scene, powering everything from search engines like Perplexity AI to social media platforms. This surge in AI applications comes with a cost: vast amounts of energy are needed to train and run these complex algorithms. According to research by PennState Institute of Energy and the Environment, AI data centers could consume up to 8% of the USA’s total energy production by 2030. This reliance on traditional fossil fuels has raised critical concerns for environmental impact and economic stability, especially in a sector poised for rapid growth.