AI's Growing Thirst: Why It Matters For Your Power Bill

We hear a lot about how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world, from helping businesses run smoother to making our daily lives a bit easier. But there's a flip side to this coin that's starting to get more attention: the massive amount of power and water AI systems need to run.

A new report from the United Nations (UN) is ringing alarm bells, suggesting that AI's energy use could soon guzzle up to 3% of the world's electricity. To put that in perspective, that's more than many entire countries use! The report also highlights a growing concern about water consumption. Running these big AI models – the complex computer programs behind things like ChatGPT – requires huge data centres, which are essentially enormous warehouses full of powerful computers. These data centres need to be kept cool, and that often means using a lot of water.

Now, you might be thinking, "What does this mean for me?" Well, as demand for electricity goes up, it can put pressure on our power grids and potentially lead to higher energy costs down the line. For Australian households and small businesses, where every dollar counts, this is definitely something to keep an eye on. It also raises questions about sustainability and how we manage our precious resources, especially water, in a country that's no stranger to droughts.

This isn't to say AI is bad, but it does mean we need to think carefully about how we develop and use these powerful technologies. It encourages innovators to look for more energy-efficient ways to build AI, and for governments and communities to plan for these increasing demands. Understanding these challenges now can help ensure that the benefits of AI don't come at too high a cost for our planet or our hip pockets.