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Schneider Electric has cautioned policymakers to carefully guide the electricity consumption by AI data centers and prevent it from spiraling out of hand. This comes as AI data centers’ energy consumption is reportedly continuing to increase due to surging demand for AI services, creating scope for AI companies to look for alternative sources of energy. Data centers may leave everyone else in total darkness Schneider Electric in their report proffered four potential scenarios and suggested some guiding principles to follow that might prevent AI data centers from “eating” the power grid and leaving the world in darkness. The study follows the IEA Global Conference on Energy and AI that was held last month. The study, titled Artificial Intelligence and Electricity: A System Dynamics Approach examines the emerging schools of thought relating to AI and its impact on energy consumption. While a lot has been reported on generative AI and electricity consumption, the Schneider Electric report also concurs with previous studies that existing data center infrastructure needs significant electricity to function, therefore it will require more resources to support the projected surge in AI adoption. The anticipated increased demand for AI services and the subsequent increase in energy consumption has also caused concerns over the potential strain the technology will pose on electricity grids. There are also worries over the possible environmental impact if energy demand continues to rise at this rate. Director of Schneider Electric Sustainability Research Institute Rémi Paccou said the study is meant to explore potential futures and prepare stakeholders to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. “Instead, we hope it serves as a starting point for informed discussion and decision-making.” Paccou. “We present our findings with the understanding that AI is a rapidly evolving field and that our knowledge is constantly growing,” he added. Schneider Electric therefore…

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Filed under: News - @ January 2, 2025 9:26 pm