Could AI Power Its Way Back to Old Industries?

You might not think about where the power for all this new AI technology comes from, but it's quickly becoming a really big topic globally. The more AI tools we use — like those helping businesses with customer service or even designing new products — the more electricity is needed to run the huge data centres that house these powerful computers.

Recently, there's been talk in the US about building more coal-fired power plants to meet this surging demand, particularly from the AI sector. This proposal from a former President suggests using old laws to fund hundreds of millions of dollars into coal projects. It's a bit of a throwback, considering the global push towards cleaner energy options. The argument is that AI needs reliable, affordable power, and coal is a quick way to get it.

Now, for us here in Australia, while these specific plans are happening overseas, the underlying issue is very much relevant. Our own energy grid is facing increasing demands, and the growth of AI will only add to that. We need to consider how we'll power our own AI innovations and digital lives without putting a strain on our existing resources or pushing up our energy bills.

It's a reminder that every exciting new technology, like AI, has a hidden cost – and often that cost is energy. As AI becomes more central to our lives and work, the conversation around sustainable, reliable power supplies will only get louder. Keeping an eye on these global trends helps us understand potential impacts on our own country's infrastructure and economy.