The Energy Hunger Paradox of Artificial Intelligence: End of Clean Energy or Magic Wand for Sustainability?

Hafize Nurgul Durmus Senyapar () and Ramazan Bayindir
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Hafize Nurgul Durmus Senyapar: Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara 06490, Türkiye
Ramazan Bayindir: Faculty of Technology, Gazi University, Ankara 06560, Türkiye

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-32

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a dual role in the clean energy transition, acting both as a major energy consumer and as a driver of sustainability. While AI enhances renewable energy forecasting, optimizes smart grids, and improves energy storage efficiency, the rapid growth of AI-driven data centers has significantly increased global electricity demand. AI-related energy consumption is projected to double by 2026 and triple by 2030, accounting for approximately 1.3% of global electricity use. This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, synthesizing engineering, business, and policy insights to evaluate AI’s energy footprint and contributions to sustainability. The findings reveal that AI-driven optimization enhances smart grid efficiency and forecasting accuracy; however, infrastructure limitations, regulatory gaps, and economic constraints hinder AI’s alignment with sustainability goals. The results are systematically structured across five key themes: key findings, impact on energy consumption, risks and challenges, potential solutions, and policies and regulations. Supported by thematic tables and an original infographic, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of AI’s evolving role. By integrating AI with global sustainability policies, stakeholders can leverage its potential to accelerate the clean energy transition while minimizing the ecological footprint.

Keywords: artificial intelligence (AI); AI energy consumption; renewable energy integration; sustainability; SDG 7; SDG 13; SDG 9; energy efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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