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

Author

Listed:
  • Hafize Nurgul Durmus Senyapar

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara 06490, Türkiye)

  • Ramazan Bayindir

    (Faculty of Technology, Gazi University, Ankara 06560, Türkiye)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Hafize Nurgul Durmus Senyapar & Ramazan Bayindir, 2025. "The Energy Hunger Paradox of Artificial Intelligence: End of Clean Energy or Magic Wand for Sustainability?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-32, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:2887-:d:1619435
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zizhe Du & Chao Chen, 2025. "AI vs. ESG? Uncovering a Bidirectional Struggle in China’s Sustainable Finance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-23, May.
    2. Yizhi Zhang & Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli, 2025. "The Role of Digital Technologies in Advancing Sustainable Economic Development into Intersections of Policy, Law, Environmental Economics, and a Comparative Study of China, the EU, and the USA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-25, September.
    3. Costa, Alessandra & Crupi, Antonio & Cesaroni, Fabrizio & Abbate, Tindara, 2025. "Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in addressing sustainable development. A semantic analysis of AI patents," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    4. Jolanta Słoniec & Monika Kulisz & Marta Małecka-Dobrogowska & Zhadyra Konurbayeva & Łukasz Sobaszek, 2025. "Awareness of the Impact of IT/AI on Energy Consumption in Enterprises: A Machine Learning-Based Modelling Towards a Sustainable Digital Transformation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-24, October.

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