Sandia Labs Launches Research to Address Energy Crisis

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology proliferates, it is predicted to significantly increase global energy demand, with computing potentially consuming a large share of the planet's energy by 2035. In response, Sandia National Laboratories is collaborating with other research institutions to establish three new Microelectronics Science Research Centers, focusing on improving energy efficiency in computing and AI. This initiative, supported by a $179 million investment from the Department of Energy, aims to address the urgent energy efficiency challenges posed by AI and other advanced technologies. Meanwhile, the demand for low-carbon electricity is rising, driven by AI-related data center growth, which complicates efforts for carbon capture technologies that rely on affordable clean energy. Trane Technologies highlights how advanced AI in HVAC systems can enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings, crucial for reducing emissions amid increasing cooling demands. The intersection of AI development and energy consumption raises concerns over future energy crises if efficient technologies are not prioritized.