Articles tagged with "energy-consumption"
Microsoft Has a Plan to Keep Its Data Centers From Raising Your Electric Bill
Microsoft announced a series of initiatives aimed at addressing community concerns about the impact of its data centers on local electricity rates and resources. Speaking at an event in Virginia, Microsoft vice chair Brad Smith acknowledged public worries about rising electricity costs, water supply, and job implications linked to data center expansions. The company committed to working with public utilities to request higher electricity rates for data centers, aiming to prevent these facilities from increasing residents’ utility bills. This move comes amid growing scrutiny and opposition to data centers across the U.S., where their energy demands contribute to rising electricity prices and have led to stalled or canceled projects. The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s recent pledge to collaborate with major tech companies, including Microsoft, to ensure data centers do not inflate customer utility bills. While the Trump administration has prioritized expediting data center development—removing environmental protections and encouraging construction on federal lands—local opposition has intensified, cutting across political lines. Rising electricity bills, driven by aging grid infrastructure and increased demand from data centers, have
energydata-centerselectricity-billselectric-gridenergy-consumptionMicrosoftutility-ratesChina’s world-record EV test identifies range king in brutal winters
China recently conducted the world’s largest-scale winter electric vehicle (EV) test in Inner Mongolia, involving 67 EVs subjected to extreme cold temperatures ranging from 14°F to -13°F. This comprehensive evaluation, recognized by Guinness World Records, assessed seven critical performance areas including driving range, energy consumption, fast-charging, cabin heating, emergency braking, acceleration, and off-road capability. The test featured a diverse cross-section of China’s EV market, from compact hatchbacks to full-size SUVs, reflecting various price points and consumer needs. In the winter range evaluation, a compact EV from Xpeng led the field by retaining 53.9% of its rated range under harsh cold conditions, followed by BYD’s Yangwang U7 at 51.8% and the Zeekr 001 at 49.6%. The Tesla Model Y ranked 31st with 35.2%, highlighting challenges faced by some popular models in extreme cold. Energy efficiency results favored smaller, lighter vehicles
electric-vehiclesEV-testingwinter-performanceenergy-consumptioncold-weather-efficiencybattery-rangeelectric-mobilityNew Toolkit Helps Communities Push Back Against Big Tech As Data Center Proposals Surge In Wisconsin - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a newly released toolkit designed to help Wisconsin communities respond to the surge in proposals for hyperscale data centers by Big Tech companies. These data centers are known for their extreme energy consumption and potential negative impacts on local resources, including increased utility costs, air pollution, and strain on community infrastructure. The toolkit provides educational resources, advocacy guidance, and practical steps for residents to understand the implications of data centers and to engage effectively in local decision-making processes. Key environmental and community leaders from organizations such as Sierra Club Wisconsin, Healthy Climate Wisconsin, Green Fire Wisconsin, and Midwest Environmental Advocates emphasize the importance of community awareness, early involvement in permitting, and collective action to ensure transparency and protective measures. The article also highlights upcoming local government meetings in Kenosha, Menomonie, DeForest, and Port Washington where decisions about specific data center proposals will be made, underscoring the urgency for community participation. The Sierra Club, as a major environmental organization, supports these efforts to safeguard natural resources and public
energydata-centershyperscale-computingcommunity-advocacyenergy-consumptionutility-costsenvironmental-impactBMW to Show Off New EV on Christmas Eve - CleanTechnica
BMW is set to unveil a new electric vehicle (EV) on December 24, 2025, as teased through a virtual advent calendar on its Instagram. The teaser reveals a silhouette of the upcoming model behind the "door 24," suggesting it will join BMW’s growing lineup of EVs. The announcement follows strong demand for the BMW iX3 and highlights the company’s continued focus on expanding its electric offerings. The teaser post references several existing BMW plug-in models, including the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, i4 M50 xDrive Gran Coupé, iX2 xDrive30, iX1 xDrive30, and i7 xDrive60 Sedan, all of which have zero CO₂ emissions and electric ranges between approximately 416 km and 517 km. This context implies the new vehicle is likely part of BMW’s Neue Klasse series, which represents the next generation of the brand’s EV technology. Further details about the specific model remain undisclosed ahead of the official reveal
electric-vehiclesBMWEVenergy-consumptionelectric-rangeclean-energyautomotive-technologyData center energy demand forecasted to soar nearly 300% through 2035
A BloombergNEF report forecasts that data center electricity demand will nearly triple by 2035, rising from 40 gigawatts today to 106 gigawatts. This surge is driven by the construction of significantly larger facilities, many located in rural areas due to urban site scarcity. Currently, only 10% of data centers consume over 50 megawatts, but future centers are expected to average over 100 megawatts, with nearly 25% exceeding 500 megawatts and some surpassing 1 gigawatt. Additionally, data center utilization rates are projected to increase from 59% to 69%, largely fueled by AI workloads, which will account for nearly 40% of total compute. The report highlights a sharp upward revision from earlier forecasts, attributed to a doubling of early-stage projects between early 2024 and 2025. Much of the new capacity is planned in states within the PJM Interconnection region—such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois
energydata-centerselectricity-demandenergy-consumptionAI-computingpower-infrastructureenergy-forecastDiscover top 7 world’s most powerful man-made magnets that reshape modern physics
The article highlights seven of the world’s most powerful man-made magnets, emphasizing their critical role in advancing modern physics by enabling scientists to probe extreme material and quantum phenomena. These magnets, housed in leading research facilities globally, generate extraordinarily strong magnetic fields—far beyond everyday magnets—using advanced materials, complex cooling systems, and vast electrical power. Some operate continuously, while others produce intense, short pulses, each serving unique experimental needs. Key magnets include the 100-tesla pulsed magnet at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which holds the record for the strongest non-destructive magnetic field, producing brief but extreme pulses to study quantum behaviors. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s 45.5-tesla hybrid magnet generates the strongest continuous field by combining superconducting and resistive technologies, enabling long-duration experiments. China’s 42-tesla resistive magnet is notable for achieving the highest field from resistive coils alone, consuming immense power and requiring extensive cooling. China also briefly held the continuous field
magnetsmaterials-scienceenergy-consumptionsuperconducting-technologyhigh-field-physicscooling-systemsquantum-phenomenaElectricity Use Is Becoming More Common For Residential Heating In USA - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a growing trend in the United States toward using electricity as the primary fuel for residential space heating. According to 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data, 42% of U.S. households now rely on electricity for heating, while natural gas remains the most common heating fuel at 47%, down from 49% in 2010. This shift is influenced by demographic changes, with population growth moving toward warmer western and southern regions where heating demand is lower, as well as evolving technology and policy factors. Homes in warmer climates tend to use electricity or no heating fuel at all, whereas colder regions still rely more on propane, heating oil, and wood. Policy changes and technological advancements have also played a significant role in this transition. Several state and local governments have implemented restrictions on natural gas in new residential construction or retrofits, motivated by concerns about indoor air quality and environmental impact, although some of these policies face legal challenges. Improvements in electric heating technologies, such
energyresidential-heatingelectricity-usenatural-gasenergy-consumptionheating-technologyhome-energy-trendsElectric Vehicle Electricity Consumption In Kenya Up 300% In 12 Months - CleanTechnica
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reported a significant surge in electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption, with a 300% increase from 1.26 GWh to 5.04 GWh in the financial year ending June 2025. This growth aligns with the rise in registered electric vehicles, which reached 6,442, predominantly electric motorcycles (about 90%) used mainly in the motorcycle taxi (boda boda) and last-mile delivery sectors. Kenya is a regional leader in electrifying this sector, driven largely by private startups operating within the "boda belt"—a region spanning from Tanzania to Senegal where motorcycle taxis are common. To encourage EV adoption, Kenya introduced a special e-mobility electricity tariff with lower rates than standard commercial and residential tariffs, including reduced off-peak pricing. EPRA is also considering removing the 15,000 kWh consumption cap on this tariff to further incentivize fleet electrification, especially for buses. Beyond EV
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclese-mobilityKenyaenergy-consumptionelectric-transportationChina's Cleantech Exports Overtake US Fossil Fuel Energy Dominance with Lasting Implications - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a significant shift in global energy trade dynamics, highlighting that China’s clean technology exports have surpassed the United States’ dominance in fossil fuel energy exports. This transition reflects a broader change in how energy is produced, consumed, and valued worldwide. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, consumable, and environmentally damaging, clean technologies such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs) offer durable, recyclable, and technology-driven solutions. Solar panels, for example, provide many times the energy value of their initial cost over their lifespan, representing a long-term energy investment rather than a one-time consumable product like fossil fuels. China’s export growth in clean technology is primarily driven by batteries and EVs, which facilitate increased electrification and more efficient use of renewable energy. These technologies help stabilize the grid by balancing intermittent renewable energy supply with demand, reducing curtailment, and enabling further electrification. EVs also shift energy consumption away from petroleum, contributing to immediate emissions reductions and
energyclean-technologycleantech-exportssolar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-consumptionglobal-energy-tradeAnti-Trump Protesters Take Aim at ‘Naive’ US-UK AI Deal
Thousands of protesters gathered in central London to oppose President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK, with many expressing broader concerns about the UK government’s recent AI deal with the US. The demonstrators included environmental activists who criticized the deal’s lack of transparency, particularly regarding the involvement of tech companies and the environmental impact of expanding data centers. Central to the deal is the British startup Nscale, which plans to build more data centers expected to generate over $68 billion in revenue in six years, despite concerns about their high energy and water consumption and local opposition. Critics, including Nick Dearden of Global Justice Now and the Stop Trump Coalition, argue that the deal has been presented as beneficial without sufficient public scrutiny. They worry that the UK government may have conceded regulatory controls, such as digital services taxes and antitrust measures, to US tech giants, potentially strengthening monopolies rather than fostering sovereign British AI development or job creation. Protesters fear that the deal primarily serves the interests of large US corporations rather
IoTAIdata-centersenergy-consumptionsupercomputingtechnology-policyenvironmental-impactShining The Light Of Truth On Fossil Fuel Madness - CleanTechnica
The article "Shining The Light Of Truth On Fossil Fuel Madness" by Lloyd Alter, featured on CleanTechnica, highlights the fundamental role of energy in economic systems, drawing heavily on the work of economist and physicist Robert Ayers. Ayers emphasized that economies function by extracting and transforming energy into goods and services, a process inherently governed by the laws of thermodynamics. Alter underscores that industrial activities generate significant waste and emissions, with the mass of residuals often exceeding the materials processed. This inefficiency challenges traditional economic views and stresses the environmental costs embedded in consumption patterns, such as the production and disposal of goods. Alter further critiques the fossil fuel economy by illustrating its inefficiency and the systemic incentives that perpetuate it. Using 2023 data from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he notes that only about 10-12% of the energy in fuels used for transportation effectively powers vehicles, with the rest lost as heat and emissions. This inefficiency benefits oil companies and related industries
energyfossil-fuelsrenewable-energythermodynamicscarbon-emissionssustainabilityenergy-consumptionWorld's largest-scale brain-like computer with 2 billion neurons unveiled
Chinese engineers at Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Lab have unveiled "Darwin Monkey," the world’s largest-scale brain-like neuromorphic computer, designed to mimic the macaque monkey brain. The system integrates 960 third-generation Darwin 3 neuromorphic computing chips across 15 blade-style servers, supporting over 2 billion spiking neurons and more than 100 billion synapses. This neuron count approaches that of a macaque brain, enabling advanced cognitive functions such as vision, hearing, language, learning, logical reasoning, content generation, and mathematical problem-solving. The Darwin 3 chips feature specialized brain-inspired instruction sets and an online neuromorphic learning mechanism, marking a significant technological breakthrough in brain-inspired computing and operating systems. Consuming approximately 2,000 watts during typical operation, Darwin Monkey represents the first neuromorphic brain-like computer based on dedicated neuromorphic chips. The system can run large brain-like models such as DeepSeek, demonstrating its capacity for complex intelligent applications. This development follows similar
materialsneuromorphic-computingbrain-like-computerneural-processing-unitsadvanced-chipsenergy-consumptionartificial-intelligenceA Better Way To Look At AI Safety - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the evolving conversation around AI safety, highlighting that concerns have existed for years, initially focused on autonomous vehicle testing incidents and Tesla’s Autopilot issues. As AI capabilities expanded, particularly with chatbots and data-tracking technologies, public scrutiny and legislative attention increased. While some laws addressing specific harms, such as banning deepfake harassment, have passed, broader regulatory efforts targeting AI companies have largely struggled to gain traction. The common regulatory approach aims to mandate safer AI development and transparency, even at the cost of slowing progress, which is seen as a reasonable tradeoff to reduce risks. However, the article points out significant limitations to this approach. Large AI development efforts are currently detectable due to their substantial infrastructure and power needs, but advances in computing will soon allow powerful AI systems to be built with minimal physical footprint and energy consumption. This miniaturization could enable individuals to create dangerous AI technologies covertly, unlike nuclear weapons which require hard-to-obtain materials. Therefore, while
robotAI-safetyautonomous-vehiclesenergy-consumptionartificial-intelligenceregulationtechnology-ethicsTrump is set to unveil his AI roadmap: Here’s what to know
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil his AI Action Plan, marking his first major address on artificial intelligence since beginning his second term. The plan aims to outline the administration’s strategies and priorities for AI, replacing the previous administration’s approach that emphasized safety, security reporting, and reducing bias in AI models. Trump’s plan is expected to focus on accelerating American AI development by easing regulatory burdens on AI companies, particularly by overhauling permitting rules to speed up AI data center construction and modernizing the electrical grid to meet increased energy demands. This approach reflects a broader push to promote U.S. innovation and global leadership in AI technology. The AI Action Plan reportedly centers on three pillars: infrastructure, innovation, and global influence. Infrastructure efforts will address energy and permitting challenges for AI data centers, while innovation initiatives aim to reduce regulatory barriers, potentially limiting federal oversight on AI safety standards. On the global stage, the administration seeks to promote American AI models and chips internationally to maintain technological dominance amid rising competition
AIenergy-consumptiondata-centersinfrastructureinnovationAI-policytechnology-strategyMark Zuckerberg says Meta is building a 5GW AI data center
Meta is constructing a massive AI data center named Hyperion, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced will deliver five gigawatts (GW) of computational power to support its new AI lab. This initiative aims to position Meta ahead of competitors like OpenAI and Google in the AI development race. Hyperion’s scale is projected to be large enough to cover most of Manhattan, and Meta plans to launch a 1 GW supercluster called Prometheus by 2026, making it one of the earliest tech companies to reach such capacity. These projects will significantly enhance Meta’s ability to train and deploy advanced AI models, potentially attracting more top talent to the company. However, the enormous energy demands of these data centers raise concerns about their impact on local communities. Together, Hyperion and Prometheus will consume energy equivalent to that used by millions of homes, potentially straining electricity and water resources nearby. Similar expansions by other AI-focused companies, like CoreWeave near Dallas, highlight a broader industry trend toward large-scale AI
energydata-centerAIMetacomputational-powerenergy-consumptioninfrastructureUS defense spending cuts could 'match' energy needs of a small country
A recent peer-reviewed study published in PLOS Climate, led by Ryan Thombs of Penn State University, reveals that sustained cuts in US military spending could significantly reduce the Department of Defense’s (DoD) energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Analyzing data from 1975 to 2022, the researchers found a strong correlation between defense budget fluctuations and the Pentagon’s energy use, particularly in jet fuel, vehicle operations, and facility maintenance. Notably, reductions in military funding yield disproportionately larger energy savings compared to the energy increases caused by budget growth, suggesting that modest defense cuts could produce substantial environmental benefits without compromising military readiness. Projecting forward to 2032, the study’s scenario modeling indicates that sustained defense budget cuts could save energy equivalent to the total annual consumption of a small country such as Slovenia or the US state of Delaware. While the authors caution that military spending reductions should not be seen as a standalone climate solution, they emphasize the importance of addressing the DoD’s vast energy footprint
energyenergy-consumptiondefense-spendingDepartment-of-Defensegreenhouse-gas-emissionsclimate-impactmilitary-energy-useU.S. Primary Energy Production, Consumption, and Exports Increased in 2024 - CleanTechnica
In 2024, the United States continued to produce more energy than it consumed, reaching a record high primary energy production of 30.9 quadrillion British thermal units (quads), a 4% increase from 2023. Energy consumption remained steady at 21.7 quads, resulting in the highest net energy exports on record at 9.3 quads. Total U.S. energy consumption was 94.2 quads, still below the peak of 99.0 quads set in 2007. Notably, renewable energy consumption rose by 5% to 8.6 quads, driven by biofuels, wind, and solar, while coal consumption fell to a historic low of 7.9 quads. Record production was achieved across multiple energy sources, including natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas plant liquids, contributing to a total U.S. energy production of 103.3 quads—the third consecutive year of record-breaking output
energyenergy-productionenergy-consumptionrenewable-energynatural-gascrude-oilenergy-exportsWhat Happens When AI, EVs, and Smart Homes All Plug In at Once? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the growing challenges faced by the electric distribution grid as artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and smart homes increasingly demand more energy. It highlights that much of our energy consumption is invisible, powering everything from data centers and AI systems to e-mobility and smart home technologies. According to a 2025 study by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), US electricity demand is expected to rise by 50% by 2050, driven largely by a 300% increase in data center energy use and a staggering 9,000% rise in energy consumption for electric mobility and charging. The International Energy Agency warns that the rapid expansion of data centers could strain local power networks, risking more frequent blackouts if grid upgrades do not keep pace. The article emphasizes that the current grid infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle this surge in demand without significant investment and modernization. Utilities like CenterPoint Energy are proactively investing billions in grid improvements to meet future needs, anticipating substantial increases in peak electricity usage. Technological innovations, such as smart grid automation and advanced protection devices, offer promising solutions to enhance grid resilience and reliability. These technologies help manage energy fluctuations, improve efficiency, and reduce service interruptions, positioning the grid to better support the evolving energy landscape shaped by AI, EVs, and smart homes.
energyelectric-gridelectrificationdata-centersartificial-intelligenceenergy-consumptionsmart-homesWomen Live In Ways That Emit Less Carbon Than Men - So What? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the gender differences in carbon footprints, highlighting that women generally have lower carbon emissions than men due to differences in consumption patterns, particularly in diet and transportation. It emphasizes that mitigating climate change requires changes in personal consumption, especially in high-emission sectors such as food choices and commuting methods. For example, in France, diet and transport account for about half of an individual's carbon footprint, with men’s higher emissions largely driven by greater consumption of red meat and more frequent use of cars. The study cited suggests that if all men adopted women’s consumption habits without reducing women’s, significant reductions in carbon emissions could be achieved, particularly in food (1.9 MtCO2e) and transport (11.5 MtCO2e). The article contrasts the US and France, noting that the average American’s carbon footprint (about 16 tons/year) is substantially higher than that of the average French person (9.2 tons/year), partly due to cultural norms that promote consumption as a status symbol, especially among men. This includes preferences for muscle cars and frequent upgrades of technology, which contribute to excessive emissions. Indoor energy use, such as air conditioning and fuel-burning appliances, also plays a significant role in the US carbon footprint. The article also points out that household structure influences emissions, with couples and families showing different patterns in food and transport footprints. Overall, the findings imply that climate policies should consider gender and social roles, as women’s consumption patterns may be more aligned with net-zero goals, while men may face greater behavioral and cultural barriers to reducing emissions.
energycarbon-footprintclimate-changegreenhouse-gas-emissionsconsumption-patternstransportation-emissionsenergy-consumption