Surge in AI Energy Consumption: ChatGPT's Daily Power Use Exceeds 500,000 kWh, Raising Concerns

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances rapidly, concerns regarding energy consumption have garnered increasing attention. According to The New Yorker, OpenAI's ChatGPT consumes over 500,000 kilowatt-hours daily to support approximately 200 million user requests. This staggering figure is equivalent to 17,000 times the average daily electricity usage of a household in the United States, underscoring the substantial pressure AI technologies place on energy resources.

Experts warn that the widespread adoption of generative AI could lead to even higher energy consumption. Alex de Vries, a data scientist at the Dutch National Bank, predicts that by 2027, the annual electricity consumption of the AI industry could reach between 85 to 134 terawatt-hours, posing a significant challenge to global energy supply.

The development of AI is not only driving market innovation but also increasing demand for microchips, which in turn amplifies energy consumption. Data shows that the power usage of global data centers has surged from 10 billion watts to 100 billion watts over the past decade. The Uptime Institute forecasts that AI’s share of total electricity use in data centers worldwide will rise from the current 2% to 10%, drawing considerable industry attention.

Elon Musk has warned that we may soon transition from a "silicon shortage" to an "electricity shortage," with potential power deficits emerging as critical obstacles to AI development. The impacts of power shortages could mirror the recent supply chain disruptions experienced by the tech and automotive sectors due to chip shortages.

In response, industry leaders and governments are actively pursuing solutions. On one hand, improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources are essential; on the other, policy initiatives and technological advancements can help promote environmentally sustainable practices within the AI sector.

Industry experts emphasize that while AI innovations deliver significant societal value, the associated energy consumption must not be overlooked. As we advance AI technology, the challenge of achieving efficient energy use and sustainability will be a shared global priority.

Therefore, collaboration is crucial in addressing energy shortages and environmental protection challenges. By focusing on the energy consumption issues related to AI, we can ensure a balanced approach to the healthy development of AI technology and global energy security. Further research and attention to this matter will support sustainable progress in AI's future.