Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed the energy consumption of ChatGPT, stating that a typical response consumes about 0.34 watt-hours, equivalent to a few seconds of oven use or a couple of minutes of a high-efficiency light bulb's operation. In terms of water usage, it is approximately one-fifteenth of a teaspoon.
Altman highlights the numerous benefits of AI across various fields like science and medicine, emphasizing its overall positive impact. He suggests that AI's energy consumption should decrease significantly with technological advancements and increased energy efficiency of models. He projects a future with radically abundant energy.
The article also mentions that companies such as Google and Microsoft are actively investing in alternative energy solutions to power their data centers, including exploring modular reactors and nuclear power.
Altman concludes by expressing optimism about AI's future contributions to a better world, driving scientific progress and boosting overall productivity, leading to a brighter future.