AI vs energy consumption

Every winter in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, a new Ice Hotel is built from the ice and snow of the nearby Torne River. Each spring, the hotel melts away, only to be redesigned and rebuilt the following winter.

TODAY:

• AI uses more power - but can it also speed up renewables?

• A country singer has used AI to repair his vocal cords.

• Around the web: Republicans aim to overturn Biden’s climate policies on electric vehicles and emissions.

• Guidde makes documentation 11x faster with AI!

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

AI and the future of energy

The expansion of AI is set to significantly increase electricity demand in the US.

According to a Wells Fargo analysis, demand could rise 20% by 2030, driven by growth in AI, semiconductor production, battery manufacturing, and the electrification of vehicles.

Data centres catering to AI alone are projected to require an extra 323 terawatt hours—vastly more than the current annual consumption of New York City, which stands at 48 terawatt hours.

Here’s what you should know:

• Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are expected to increase US electricity demand significantly by 2030.

• As a quick-response energy source, natural gas could be critical for bridging gaps when renewable sources fall short.

• The Southeast US is crucial, with major growth in data centres and energy demand anticipated, supported by strategic infrastructure projects like pipelines.

This demand increase presents challenges for major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, which are committed to using renewable energy sources.

However, the variability of solar and wind power makes these sources unreliable for consistent high-volume demand.

Natural gas, capable of rapidly meeting large energy needs, is seen as an essential interim solution.

It is expected to cover 60% of the power demand increase caused by AI and data centres.

Energy companies there are preparing for significant changes, with Dominion Energy predicting that demand in Northern Virginia will double by 2030.

EQT Corp, a leading gas producer, considers this region strategic for growth, aided by facilities like the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

But, AI can speed up renewables

But it’s not all doom and gloom. AI could solve the very issue it is creating. It can make the energy sector more efficient and better at integrating renewable sources.

It helps predict energy needs, streamline grid operations, and manage energy resources effectively.

These advancements are key for maintaining reliable energy as we face climate challenges and variable demand.

The Southeast US is crucial for upcoming energy projects, supported by infrastructure like the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

AI's ability to improve efficiency and integration of renewables is vital for a sustainable energy future.

So, use more energy - to learn how we can use less.

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AI CHROME EXTENSIONS

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On This Day

May 7th 1992 - The Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on its first mission, STS-49. It was the replacement for the Space Shuttle Challenger and included missions to repair satellites.

Leaders in AI

Dan Hendrycks

In 2021, Dan Hendrycks, then a PhD candidate at UC Berkeley, accurately predicted Elon Musk's AI comeback and unexpectedly became xAI's safety adviser.

Founder of the Center for AI Safety, Hendrycks warns that competitive pressures in AI development pose significant risks, akin to pandemics or nuclear war.

Despite his role at xAI, he advocates for international cooperation to prevent an AI-driven catastrophe, emphasising the urgency of this global issue.

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AI MUSIC

AI gone country!

Randy Travis, a cherished country singer hindered by a stroke in 2013, has unveiled a new song, "Where That Came From."

This track uniquely combines AI technology and a surrogate singer to recreate Travis's distinctive voice.

Supervised by his long-time producer, Kyle Lehning, and with the aid of singer James DuPre, an AI model trained on 42 of Travis's recordings was used to synthesise the vocals.

This song demonstrates the innovative potential of AI in music, merging Travis’s classic style with modern tech.

It’s available on popular platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. While it might not be his top hit, it marks a significant chapter in his musical journey.

Here’s what you should know:

• AI technology supported Randy Travis's vocals in his latest track, mixing traditional techniques with modern innovation.

• The track is accessible on major streaming platforms, retaining the essence of Travis's style.

• The evolution of AI in music highlights both creative opportunities and the necessity for legal frameworks like Tennessee’s ELVIS Act, aimed at protecting artists' rights.

This development sparks important conversations about the blend of technology and traditional music production.

Not everyone's okay with it

The issue of intellectual property is also at the forefront, evidenced by Tennessee's recent ELVIS Act.

This legislation is geared towards safeguarding artists' rights in the digital and AI age.

Warner Music Nashville's venture into AI-assisted music could well influence how future projects involving iconic artists are approached, balancing respect for musical heritage with the possibilities offered by technology.

Check out the song here and let us know what you think.

Mindstream Picks

7-Eleven launches a unique interactive scavenger hunt on Fortnite, uniting brand fans, car enthusiasts, and gamers in a virtual challenge.

The Biden administration announces a $285 million funding plan to develop chip manufacturing using digital twins.

Robinhood received a Wells notice from the SEC regarding crypto tokens traded on its platform, signalling potential enforcement action.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency launches its first solicitation for commercial tech to enhance global maritime threat tracking.

Don’t Miss - Republican lawmakers are pushing to reverse the Biden administration's climate policies by targeting electric vehicle tax credits and EPA rules on tailpipe emissions. These efforts include new legislative bills and lawsuits from state attorneys general, aiming to undo recent advances in reducing automotive carbon emissions.

AI Art

Our Image of the Day

Daily Image Prompt

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We get a lot of submissions, but we do look at every single one! So please don’t hesitate to send us your art.

Yesterday’s Poll

“Do you trust Buffet on AI?”

Yes, he's a genius 54% ✅

No, he doesn't understand it 46%

Reader’s Opinions

“Buffet is a highly risk-averse investor who likes to see a good track record. He doesn't understand the power of AI, which is too early-stage for his style of investing. But that doesn't mean that AI is inherently a bad investment.” - dkasrel

“Technology is starting to pass Mr. Buffett by” - michael

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