Why does AI use so much energy?

AI has become part of daily life for millions of people. But behind every instant response is an invisible cost: enormous amounts of electricity.

In fact, AI is on track to become one of the most energy-hungry technologies of our time — with real consequences for the climate. Let’s break down why.

The Scale of AI Energy Use

In 2023, U.S. data centers consumed 4.4% of the nation’s total electricity. Globally, they already account for about 1.5% of energy demand. As AI adoption surges, these numbers are expected to at least double by 2030.

According to researcher Alex de Vries-Gao, “Just three years ago, we didn’t even have ChatGPT. And now we’re talking about a technology that could account for nearly half of global data center electricity use.”

Why AI Is So Power-Hungry

There are two stages of AI that consume the most energy:

1. Training

   Training large language models (LLMs) requires feeding enormous datasets into powerful GPU clusters. Models like GPT-4 took weeks of nonstop computation, using an estimated 50 gigawatt-hours of electricity — enough to power San Francisco for three days.

   
   

2. Inference

   Once trained, the AI generates outputs in response to user prompts. While each response is less demanding than training, the scale of use is staggering. By mid-2025, ChatGPT users were sending 2.5 billion prompts every day. Multiply that across multiple AI platforms, and inference becomes a constant global drain on electricity.

The Transparency Problem

Big Tech doesn’t share much about the true environmental costs of AI. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta release selective figures — often without enough context to understand real-world impact. Researchers are calling for stronger transparency, so users and policymakers can make informed decisions.

As de Vries-Gao puts it: “The impact is never transparent. The ball is with policymakers to encourage disclosure so that users can start doing something.”

A Better Way Forward

AI is powerful, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. Instead of ignoring the problem, we can flip it into a solution.

That’s why we built Viro AI.

• Every chat on Viro AI directly funds clean energy projects around the world.

• You get access to the same leading AI models (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and more).

• But unlike Big Tech’s platforms, your usage actively offsets the energy impact.

Think of it as Ecosia for AI. If you’re going to use AI — why not use the one that builds a cleaner future?

Try Viro AI Today

AI doesn’t have to wreck the planet. With Viro AI, your prompts become power for renewable energy.

👉 Download Viro AI now on the App Store. Or start on web at ai.viro.app

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