AI may exacerbate the energy trilemma
1Department of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management
|August 29, 2025
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly strains the global energy trilemma, increasing demand and threatening security, equity, and sustainability. Addressing AI's energy impact requires inclusive governance for sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Energy policy
- Artificial intelligence
- Sustainable development
Background:
- The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating unprecedented electricity demand.
- Projected AI electricity consumption by 2030 could rival Japan's total annual energy use.
- This surge exacerbates the global energy trilemma, impacting security, equity, and sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the multifaceted impacts of artificial intelligence on the global energy trilemma.
- To highlight the threats posed by AI's escalating electricity demand to energy security, equity, and sustainability.
- To underscore the necessity of integrating AI within sustainable development frameworks.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of current trends in AI development and energy consumption.
- Projection of future AI electricity demand based on existing growth rates.
- Assessment of AI's socio-economic and environmental implications on energy systems.
Main Results:
- AI's electricity demand growth outpaces grid infrastructure development, risking power crises and threatening energy security.
- AI implementation deepens energy inequity, raising local prices and creating global imbalances in resource benefits and environmental burdens.
- Short-term AI productivity gains are overshadowed by unsustainable energy consumption, challenging long-term energy sustainability.
Conclusions:
- Realizing AI's potential for a green transition is contingent upon its integration into inclusive governance structures.
- Aligning AI's trajectory with sustainable development goals is crucial for mitigating its negative energy impacts.
- Proactive policy and governance frameworks are essential to balance AI advancement with global energy security, equity, and sustainability.
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