The next revolution of AI will play out more in energy infrastructures than in computer laboratories.
The illusion of a purely digital revolution
Since the spectacular emergence of generative artificial intelligence, the whole world seems fascinated by algorithms. Yet behind this technological revolution lies a far more fundamental reality: artificial intelligence is progressively becoming an energy industry.
Each query, each simulation and each model consumes substantial amounts of electricity and water.
The second AI revolution
The first phase of AI was dominated by data and computing power. The second will be dominated by energy.
Future data centers will require electrical capacities comparable to those of entire cities. Energy thus becomes the main limiting factor in the growth of artificial intelligence.
The return of energy geography
Regions endowed with abundant solar, wind and hydro resources will regain a major strategic advantage. Future data centers will be built where energy is available, affordable and sustainable.
A strategic governance error in global AI governance
Large AI summits bring together developers, investors and chip makers. Yet energy producers and hydrogen specialists are often absent. Bringing together AI actors without energy professionals is like organizing an aviation summit without fuel producers.
Hydrogen: the missing link
Hydrogen enables storing renewable energy and releasing it when digital infrastructures need it. It forms the indispensable bridge between intermittent production and continuous consumption.
The forgotten role of water
Data centers generate substantial amounts of heat. Cooling them requires water resources and sophisticated thermal systems. Water thus becomes a strategic resource of the digital economy.
Hydrogen and cooling
Through cogeneration and trigeneration systems, hydrogen can contribute to the simultaneous production of electricity, useful heat and industrial cold. Its role could become central in the energy architecture of future data centers.
The concept of AI Energy Parks
Future infrastructures could integrate renewable energy, hydrogen, desalination, storage and artificial intelligence into a single industrial ecosystem. AI will manage energy, while energy will power AI.
A historic opportunity for North Africa and the Middle East
These regions have exceptional potential to host this new generation of infrastructures thanks to their solar resources, available space and energy experience.
Thus, in the 20th century oil shaped global power. In the 21st century renewable energy, water, hydrogen and artificial intelligence could together redefine international economic balances. The one who masters energy, water and hydrogen will also master artificial intelligence.
By Imed Derouiche
Expert in energy, hydrogen and digital transition
