background image

What does DeepSeek mean for AI's environmental impact?

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Deutsche Welle or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has launched a new chatbot that it claims is more efficient and less power-intensive than models from U.S. giants like OpenAI and Google
This could challenge assumptions that AI advancements will require massive expansions in energy-hungry data centers
If true, DeepSeek’s technology could significantly reduce AI's environmental footprint

🔭 The context: AI models currently demand vast amounts of energy and water, with over 8,000 data centers consuming 1–2% of global electricity
Projections suggest that data center power consumption could grow by 160% by 2030, as AI adoption increases
Some companies, including Microsoft, are exploring nuclear power for AI, but fossil fuels still dominate energy sources for data centers

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The energy and water consumption of AI is a growing concern, with AI model training consuming millions of liters of water
Without energy-efficient alternatives, data center emissions could double by 2030
If DeepSeek’s AI can deliver high performance with less energy, it could set a new standard for sustainable AI

⏭️ What's next: If DeepSeek’s model is truly efficient, it may reduce the need for large-scale data center expansion
However, increased efficiency could also lead to greater AI usage, potentially offsetting sustainability gains due to the Jevons paradox
The broader industry must balance innovation with environmentally friendly AI development

💬 One quote: "AI has a huge, a ferocious appetite essentially, for energy." — Paul Deane, senior lecturer in clean energy futures at University College Cork, Ireland

📈 One stat: AI could withdraw 6.6 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2027—six times Denmark’s yearly consumption

Click for more news covering the latest on green tech

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)