Compute and Consequence: AI Energy Demand in a Rapidly Evolving Grid Landscape
A new report on the AI boom with a practical framework to drive clean energy solutions
Hi, I’m Kelly Poole, an OG Tech4Good volunteer, and I have been working in climate advocacy for the past ten years. I’m currently with As You Sow, where I just authored a new report on the AI boom and its growing impact on the power grid. I wanted to share it with this community because the way major tech companies are scaling AI is already creating significant consequences for our climate and for frontline communities.
Behind every AI model is a data center that requires enormous amounts of electricity. And because we simply don’t have enough clean energy to meet the surge in data-center demand, utilities across the country are building new methane gas plants and delaying coal-plant retirements — decisions that increase pollution, raise energy bills, and concentrate harms in vulnerable communities.
It’s hard to track all of the issues within the AI space. There are of course issues with algorithmic bias and equity issues in model design, but the energy needed to power it all is highly concerning. That’s why we wrote this report: to explain the power-grid impacts clearly, connect the dots for advocates, and lay out real, practical solutions that anyone can push for.
A few critical takeaways in the report:
Electricity demand projections for data centers are likely overstated
Utilities and tech companies are facing material risks
Data centers can be powered with little to no new fossil fuels
The report’s #1 solution is to “make the most of the grid we’ve got”
Where’s the growth?
Up to 40% of US electricity demand growth is expected to come from data centers
Northern Virginia is the largest global market, due to almost triple by 2030
Texas is also giant, but growth is everywhere
The states adding the most capacity by 2030: Virginia, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Nevada and Oregon
While the report is geared toward shareholders, it’s absolutely relevant for anyone working to ensure AI is scaled responsibly and equitably.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions, and if you’re interested in how we’re engaging directly with major tech companies on these issues, please reach out. You can find me on LinkedIn or drop me an email. –Kelly
As You Sow's mission is to promote environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies, and was founded in 1992 on the belief that corporations must be an active part of the solutions to society’s environmental and human rights issue.
Join Our New Experiment!
Do you have successes, challenges, experiences or projects that you'd like to share with the data equity community? Our newsletter is available to you to share your work. Be like Kelly.