Illinois, House Committee discuss AI's growing energy demands

The growing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) technology are raising concerns about its impact on the U.S. power grid. With AI projected to consume up to 11% of U.S. electricity by 2030, there are calls for a reexamination of energy infrastructure and climate goals. In Illinois, lawmakers are debating the balance between transitioning to renewable energy and the strain that AI data centers place on power supplies. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are planning hearings to address AI's energy usage but face challenges in achieving bipartisan consensus on solutions. They aim to fast-track fossil fuel and nuclear power projects to meet these demands, while Democrats push for environmentally friendly approaches. The discussions highlight the urgent need to reconcile AI's rapid growth with sustainable energy practices.