In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown in popularity within recent years. A majority of this fame comes from how widely applicable and useful it can be. However, the utility of AI has hidden costs associated with it. The amount of power used in every AI search query is between 23 and 30 times higher than a normal internet search. For perspective, if every regular search was replaced with an AI query, the annual power consumption would be equal to the yearly power consumption of Ireland – at around 29.3 Terawatt Hours. With the increasing popularity of AI, these servers are expected to consume 85.4 Terawatt Hours of electricity annually.
In its current form, the US power grid is simply ill-equipped to handle this massive increase in power demand. In order to get it up to speed, outdated infrastructure like transformers and transmission lines must be upgraded. Not only would this replace aged parts with brand new ones, but newly manufactured technology tends to be more efficient and would put less strain on the overall grid. Ultimately, the technology is powered by electricity and there’s no stopping it. To make sure the US can keep up with the growing energy demand of tomorrow, transformers need to be upgraded today.
infographic by: elscotransformers.com
