AI and Energy: Challenges and Solutions Discussed in Paris

In Paris, an unprecedented conference organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) brings together experts, industry leaders, and tech giants to explore the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence in addressing climate urgency and rising energy demands.

Partagez:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the global energy sector, but its rapid development raises crucial questions about its environmental impact. On Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 5, 2024, Paris is hosting an international conference organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to analyze the implications of AI for energy and climate. This groundbreaking initiative brings together more than 200 experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and tech giants from 25 countries.

The main objective is to discuss the “two sides of the coin”: the opportunities offered by AI to optimize energy resources and the environmental challenges tied to its high electricity consumption. According to the IEA, data centers, the backbone of AI technologies, currently account for 1% of global electricity consumption. In some regions, such as Ireland and Virginia (United States), this proportion already exceeds 20%.

Optimizing Resources with AI

Despite its growing energy footprint, artificial intelligence is also seen as a powerful tool for improving energy system efficiency. AI technologies can regulate the electricity consumption of buildings, optimize the production of renewable energies, and accelerate research on electric batteries that are less dependent on scarce resources. These advancements could profoundly transform the global energy transition.

However, the rise of digital solutions increases the pressure on existing infrastructures. The geographic concentration of data centers, particularly in the United States, Europe, and Asia, creates strains on electrical grids and slows connection projects, according to the IEA.

Responding to the Climate Crisis

Tech leaders such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are ramping up efforts to power their data centers with decarbonized energy sources such as wind, solar, and now nuclear energy. Over five years, Google’s CO2 emissions have risen by 48%, highlighting the urgency for a transition to more sustainable energy models.

The IEA calls for enhanced cooperation between the energy, technology, and policymaking sectors to address these challenges. However, as Siddharth Singh, from the IEA’s Forecast Division, explains, the available data remains insufficient to fully anticipate AI’s impact: “We know how many electric cars are produced each year, but estimating the number of data centers under construction is still complex.”

  • Populaires ​
Global microgrid market to reach 191 billion dollars by 2033
Ignis Energy secures $13.6mn to accelerate global geothermal projects
France Officially Launches Its First Floating Wind Farm in the Mediterranean
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
NamPower launches $90.3mn solar power plant to secure Namibian energy
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS