Transcript:
AI data centers use a huge amount of energy. So as more come online, the demand for electricity is surging.
According to an analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists, meeting that growing demand could come at a steep cost to the climate and people’s health.
Co-author James Gignac says that under current federal and state policies, utilities will likely invest more in fossil fuels – for example, by building new gas power plants or extending the life of old coal plants.
Gignac: “When we use more fossil fuels, they lead to more climate pollution … and health consequences.”
But the analysis also shows that if the federal government enacts ambitious clean energy policies and incentives, data center energy needs could be mostly met with wind and solar.
And Gignac says tech companies could be required to pay for the development of the clean energy resources and grid upgrades that their data centers require.
Gignac: “If we have stronger policies, we can avoid increased use of fossil fuels and avoid unnecessary climate pollution and health damages.”
So federal policy changes could minimize harm from AI data center growth.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
