1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…
The first report examines scenarios of AI electricity consumption over the next decade, while the second report shows how AI-powered HVAC systems can improve energy efficiency. The research was published during the IEA global conference, which the company is attending
Rueil-Malmaison, France, December 5, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Schneider Electricthe leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today released two reports from his company Sustainability Research Institute (SRI). These reports fill important knowledge gaps regarding the impact of AI on sustainability, especially in the area of energy consumption.
The first investigation, Artificial intelligence and electricity: a system dynamics approachexamines four possible scenarios for AI electricity consumption over the next decade. Given growing concerns about AI’s energy consumption, Remi Paccoudirector of Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Research Institute, and Prof. Fons Wijnhovenassociate professor at the University of Twente (Netherlands), have built a system dynamics model that predicts different scenarios for AI electricity demand, highlighting the way forward for sustainable AI development strategies and policies to mitigate environmental impacts.
The authors construct four scenarios for the development of AI and the associated impact on electricity consumption. These scenarios, which are not predictions but rather tools to understand the complex factors shaping our future, cover a range of possibilities: from sustainable AI development to limits to growth, including more radical scenarios such as Abundance without Borders and even the possibility of energy crises . caused by AI. In addition to these forecasts and analyses, the report also contains recommendations for policy and decision makers, contributing to a thoughtful and responsible approach to development, focused on a path that balances progress with sustainability.
The second report,
AI-powered HVAC in educational buildings: a use case of net digital impactalso through Remi Paccou and Gauthier Roussilhe, Research Fellow and doctoral student at RMIT, demonstrate how AI-powered heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can improve energy efficiency and environmental conservation in buildings. HVAC systems are responsible for 35 – 65% of the total energy consumption of buildings. The study examined more than 87 educational buildings in Stockholm, Sweden, over an extended period of time under real-world conditions. Between 2019 and 2023, the study observed a total CO2 emissions reduction of 65 tonnes CO2e/y, approximately 60 times the actual CO2 footprint of the AI system used.
The research reveals opportunities for even greater CO2 reductions in environments with more demanding heating, cooling or air conditioning requirements. A comparative analysis between Stockholm and Boston found that implementing the same solution in Boston could deliver seven times more CO2 emissions savings than in Stockholm.
The publication of these reports coincides with the IEA’s Global Conference on Energy and AI, where Schneider Electric is present. This conference brings together experts from the energy and technology sectors, government, civil society and academia to discuss the potential impact of AI on global energy systems and the opportunities to leverage AI for energy and climate goals. Schneider Electric CEO Olivier Blum and Executive Vice President of the Data Centers & Networks Business Pankaj Sharma will participate in a high-level roundtable later today.
“The publication of our reports comes at a crucial time, as the IEA conference highlights the transformative power of AI in the energy sector. As a company and as researchers, we are committed to continuing to shape the future of energy and climate solutions,” said Vincent Petit, SVP Climate and Energy Transition Research at Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric Media Relations – global.pr@se.com
1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…