A new report warns that artificial intelligence (AI) will increase the already growing demand for electricity in the US and worldwide, with data centres set to consume as much energy as all of the US by 2045 without significant shifts towards renewable energy.
Smart meters could be used to balance the load on the grid in real-time by charging electric vehicles or running appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines during periods of high renewable energy generation, and with new tools and AI algorithms this could eventually be automated.
AI also has a role in improving the performance of wind and solar farms as well as increasing energy efficiency in manufacturing.
However, the recent rise in demand for natural gas in data centres has led to concerns over increasing greenhouse gas emissions unless tech companies use their influence to push for cleaner energy sources and low-carbon technologies.