The rapid rise of **artificial intelligence (AI)** and **digital technology** is accompanied by an exponential energy demand, raising major challenges in terms of **ecological transition** and **energy sovereignty**.
An article published in *The Conversation* by **Stéphane Grumbach (ENS de Lyon), Gary Dirks, and Sander van der Leeuw (Arizona State University)** highlights the contradictions between international climate commitments and the increasing consumption of **hydrocarbons**, largely due to the growing needs of the digital sector.
As the **United States** and **China** compete for technological supremacy, the **energy required for digital infrastructures** becomes a secondary issue compared to security and economic power concerns. The article emphasizes that global **carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reached record levels** in 2023, and that fossil fuel production projected by 2030 is **twice the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement**.
**AI and digital platforms** are paradoxical in this equation:
– They require **massive amounts of electricity** to operate.
– Yet, they are **essential for managing energy resources** through **smart grids** that optimize energy distribution.
The recent American election marked a turning point, with an overt return to **massive exploitation of fossil resources**. The newly elected president stated:
*”We have the largest amount of oil and gas in the world, and we are going to use it.”*
In light of this situation, the article proposes an **alternative**:
– **Encourage local renewable energies**, which strengthen energy sovereignty.
– **Develop intelligent distribution networks**, optimized by AI, to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
In a world where energy becomes a **major geopolitical issue**, the energy transition can only succeed if it **aligns with the security and sovereignty imperatives of nations**.