G. Baghirov writes: “The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence – Marching Towards an Energy Crisis”

Opinion Column – Technology & Future Insight

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has elevated humanity’s ability to generate knowledge and make decisions to an entirely new level. However, this rise is silently triggering another crisis: energy consumption.

As of today, data centers worldwide account for approximately 1.5–2% of total global electricity use. AI applications alone—particularly large language models and deep learning systems—already consume around 2.9% of global electricity as of 2023. With tech giants like Google and Microsoft expanding their AI infrastructure, this number is steadily climbing.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), a single AI model like ChatGPT can consume over 500,000 kWh per month—enough to power a small city for an entire day.

If advanced AI systems become fully integrated across all sectors—an expectation projected before 2030—up to 90–99% of global electricity may end up being consumed solely by digital systems, especially AI-driven ones.

This signals a kind of energy crisis humanity has never faced before. While developed nations rush to invest in renewable sources to feed AI, countries with limited energy access face the very real threat of falling into darkness—both literally and figuratively.

As AI continues to evolve, every step taken without consideration for energy sustainability could turn innovation into disaster. To avoid a dark future, we must think smart today.

G. Baghirov

New World Order Strategist & Founder of SphereX Blockchain

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