Faced with the rise of artificial intelligence and growing concerns about its energy footprint, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the creation of a global observatory dedicated to studying the impact of AI on electricity consumption. This project, set to launch in April, aims to analyze the energy needs of data centers around the world and share best practices in open source.
The rise of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has intensified pressure on digital infrastructures. Each request sent to this type of model consumes 2.9 watt-hours, which is ten times more than a Google search, according to the IEA. Already in 2023, data centers accounted for 1.4% of global electricity consumption. This figure could nearly triple by 2030, reaching 1,000 TWh, equivalent to the annual consumption of France and Germany combined.
The IEA forecasts an increase of over 75% in electricity demand from data centers by 2026, driven by AI and cryptocurrencies. To better anticipate this evolution, it will collaborate with companies in the sector to obtain precise and reliable data, thus reassuring citizens in the face of alarming figures reported in the press.
Furthermore, a coalition for sustainable artificial intelligence is being formed under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Its goal is to ensure responsible development of AI that is beneficial for the planet and accessible to developing countries.