re: Tech Giants’ Self-Made AI Energy Crisis

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Renewables should be used to fill the gaps, but unfortunately we are not in a position to replace fossil fuels completely.

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The biggest problem with intermittent systems is that they require an equally-sized redundant backup system, usually utilizing natural gas. So for the discounted low cost of 2 redundant systems, I’d rather just use the one that I can dial up or down at my discretion rather than the one Mother Nature turns up or down as she desires.

Battery storage has the same low energy density problem as solar and wind. Until a massive breakthrough happens in battery technology, it will not be a feasible alternative, especially considering China owns the mining and processing side of lithium batteries. It simultaneously becomes an energy security issue.

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Didn’t I hear that AI is using more power in the US than bitcoin mining? That’s astonishing if true.

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Most big tech companies use more energy in the US than some small countries in the world do. It would not surprise me if your statement is true.