The article also highlights the increasing carbon footprint of the AI industry, with the addition of generative AI to Google Search increasing its energy use by more than tenfold. Experts warn of a potential energy crisis due to AI unless sustainable alternatives for powering these models are found. They urge for a focus on not just improving the accuracy and speed of AI models, but also considering their environmental impact.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has suggested that AI models of the future may require a new power source due to their high energy consumption, and is advocating for investment in fusion energy.
- Altman has invested $375 million in a nuclear fusion company, Helion Energy, which has since partnered with Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI.
- Despite optimism from Altman and other billionaires, fusion energy has yet to produce a net positive amount of energy at scale, and the AI industry's carbon footprint is growing.
- Experts warn of an impending energy crisis due to AI's increasing energy consumption, urging the industry to consider environmental resources in the development of new models.