Today I released new research through @Stanford that explains how hidden uncertainties in AI’s energy needs are risking major speculative losses and energy-market distortions—and I highlight timely remedies.
Access the report at https://t.co/iwN7FScXjx
📚 Putting together a summer reading list?
Explore the ‘RMI Bookshelf’ — a collection of titles from RMI staff and board members on systems, markets, and more.
👉 https://t.co/Db7RWCPEeL
Super-efficient AC prototypes in India consumed 60% less energy than standard AC units during a field test. They could help meet growing demand for cooling without stressing the electricity grid.
📰 @livemint: https://t.co/jBUMz3JQNR
Artificial intelligence meets natural stupidity: Managing the risks
A potential electricity bubble may be created due to speculative AI demand forecasts, warns @AmoryLovins in this essay. Despite massive investments in AI data centers and predictions of soaring electricity needs, actual U.S. electricity consumption fell in 2023 and rose only 2% in 2024, with data centers accounting for just 4.5% of total use. Lovins, co-founder of the @RockyMtnInst, and @Stanford a Precourt Institute for Energy scholar and lecturer in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, draws parallels to 1999 when the coal industry wrongly predicted information technology would consume half the nation's electricity, leading to costly overbuilding of unnecessary power plants.
Current policy responses include declaring energy emergencies to fast-track gas, coal, and nuclear plants that can't compete in markets, while stalling renewable projects that represent 93% of new U.S. capacity additions. The International Energy Agency expects renewables to increase electricity supply 10-20 times more than data centers increase demand.
Lovins recommends market-based risk allocation, requiring developers to guarantee power payments, and utilizing "power couples" – combining clean energy with flexible data center demand – to avoid repeating past overbuilding mistakes while supporting genuine AI growth.
Access the abstract and full essay here:
https://t.co/Kd37pa8fYr
#datacenters #electricity
Pope Francis drew attention to the importance of protecting “our common home" and the places and people we love. He was a symbol of #appliedhope. We’re fortunate to have experienced this great spirit infused with simplicity, humility, justice, kindness, and love for all life.
On the eve of a significant US political shift, I am reflecting on the enduring power of #AppliedHope, a philosophy that has helped shape @RockyMtnInst which I co-founded 43 years ago.
My new essay is available to read on RMI’s website: https://t.co/NyiYMkjmzs
Today I reflect on and honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who launched US progress on energy solutions and efficiency improvements. #JimmyCarter
My colleagues at @RockyMtnInst have built on my earlier analysis "Six Solutions to the Battery Mineral Challenge" at a critical moment for the transition.
Read our comprehensive strategy to address the demand surge for battery minerals:
https://t.co/DhtJRuWaw4
Good to see @insideclimate@grist@EENewsUpdates covering what was told to the oil & gas industry nearly a decade ago about the dangers of methane in natural gas, including @RockyMtnInst's own research.
More on RMI's latest: https://t.co/lHsadFXJNq
Years ago, @RockyMtnInst cofounder @AmoryLovins was among the experts who informed the natural #gas industry about the climate dangers of #methane leakage. Research by RMI and others has since confirmed that leaks are major contributors to global warming. https://t.co/cyHvgHYhXu
Just released: @EPRInews & @NRDC study finds that #EV efficiency improvements have the potential to significantly reduce future electric
infrastructure buildout, energy usage, & consumer costs over the next 3 decades. Happy to contribute to the scenarios. https://t.co/ATvYyyyxCu
A new book by Prof Rob Knapp explains why and how my "banana farm" home was designed and built, how it works, and what it means.
It’s for interested lay readers and is not too technical. There’s never been a story like this.
https://t.co/qF2pSNEE9t
📣 New RMI analysis finds land use reform + compact housing development could reduce as much climate pollution as the most ambitious transportation electrification policies, while providing myriad benefits.
Learn more: https://t.co/rKUsnvueKq
Back in 1984, a typo in a Colorado public utility document became the right word to describe energy savings through efficiency. I started using it in publications, popularizing it enough for
@NYTCrossword to use yesterday. Yeehaw! #negawatt
Slash energy use by 50%? RMI’s co-founder @AmoryLovins says it's vital & doable. 🌱
"Efficiency can cut energy use by 50%–80%, saving money over buying or burning it," he shares with @WritersRange authored by Dave Marston. Learn how: https://t.co/sDBGhuXiuG
The energy transition does not need a surge in capex. We just need to keep doing what we are doing: a reallocation from fossil fuels to renewables.
https://t.co/PQkj4Z1wn7
I’m not an optimism or a pessimist, but focused on creating a world worth being hopeful about. #appliedhope
Here’s a clip from my interview with @HOTGLOBE4 Steve Chapple
@RockyMtnInst
https://t.co/rQvvnn2MBD
Your next app-based delivery could be powered by an #ElectricVehicle!
From the streets of London to the avenues of Seattle, learn about the real challenges & solutions for electric deliveries: making them affordable, accessible, & safe for everyone: https://t.co/vIiWVkX2tb @Uber
I had the opportunity to contribute to @WSJ 2023 Year in Review section to tell the story of an accelerating energy transition and the immense business potential the transition holds. Read here 👇
#aheadofthecurve
https://t.co/3KV1sut1cO