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AI demand surge for data centers could strain global energy capacity
The clean energy sector is also using AI for better energy forecasting and faster materials discovery, but the outlet warns demand growth may outpace new capacity.
OilPrice argues that artificial intelligence is a “double-edged sword” for the energy sector, as data center buildouts to support large language models are pushing energy demand growth projections to levels it says could outstrip planned capacity additions.
The outlet warns that if demand rises faster than energy capacity can be added, energy security could be imperiled globally, even as AI also brings potential benefits for efficiency and cleaner technology development.
In the clean energy space, OilPrice says AI is being used to improve forecasting models for energy supply and demand, helping support grid stability as electricity networks face heightened stress.
The outlet also cites AI assisted research, including the use of large language models to accelerate discovery of materials for specific use cases, and notes an example from China where researchers used large language models to identify a lithium-containing molecule described as capable of replenishing lithium ions in dead electric vehicle batteries.