EPISODE · May 14, 2025 · 25 MIN
Pretty Art, Ugly Footprint: Building Sustainable AI
from All Things Policy · host Takshashila Institution
In today's episode of "All Things Policy," Adya Madhavan and Anwesha Sen delve into the escalating energy demands of Artificial Intelligence. They discuss how the rapid growth of AI, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, comes with a significant and often overlooked environmental cost due to the immense electricity consumption of data centers. The conversation highlights concerns about the sustainability of this trend, with projections suggesting data centers could use 10% of the world's electricity by 2030. While India currently has sufficient capacity for its AI needs, proactive planning for future energy demands is crucial. The episode explores potential sustainable solutions, specifically questioning whether leveraging nuclear energy through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could be a viable alternative to support the booming AI and data infrastructure.Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/redrawing-the-not-so-pretty-energy-footprint-of-ai/article69541375.eceThe PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
What this episode covers
In today's episode of "All Things Policy," Adya Madhavan and Anwesha Sen delve into the escalating energy demands of Artificial Intelligence. They discuss how the rapid growth of AI, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, comes with a significant and often overlooked environmental cost due to the immense electricity consumption of data centers. The conversation highlights concerns about the sustainability of this trend, with projections suggesting data centers could use 10% of the world's electricity by 2030. While India currently has sufficient capacity for its AI needs, proactive planning for future energy demands is crucial. The episode explores potential sustainable solutions, specifically questioning whether leveraging nuclear energy through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could be a viable alternative to support the booming AI and data infrastructure.Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/redrawing-the-not-so-pretty-energy-footprint-of-ai/article69541375.eceThe PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in
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Pretty Art, Ugly Footprint: Building Sustainable AI
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