TECH

Energy-hungry AI and air conditioning risk wiping out climate gains made by renewables

The rapid expansion of renewable energy is being used to meet rising electricity demands rather than displacing fossil fuels, according to new research by the University of Sussex. Energy-hungry artificial intelligence data centers and greater use of air conditioning in a fast-heating world are among several factors threatening to undermine the climate gains made by renewables, according to the paper published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology.

Researchers from Sussex and Vienna's Central European University found record growth in solar power in the first three quarters of 2025. For the first time, this rise in clean electricity outpaced global growth in electricity demand, yet the researchers warn this fragile balance is now starting to tip back the other way.

Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rises, global wind and solar power generation has grown rapidly, yet emissions from the power sector have continued to rise as electricity demand has grown even faster. Analysis of global energy demand in 2025 found artificial-intelligence data centers are a major driver, alongside increased use of air conditioning as people struggle to cope with hotter temperatures.

Electrification of transport and consumer trends such as bigger cars were also highlighted as culprits. The report found these pressures are eroding efficiency gains made by individual countries. Projections to 2030 warn that increases in electricity use could consume most new renewable supply unless proactive measures are taken to limit demand.

"Renewables are scaling at record speed, but demand growth from data centers, cooling and transport is running just as fast," said Professor Felix Creutzig, Bennett Institute Chair at the University of Sussex. "We need policies that curb unnecessary energy use and shape demand so that clean electricity can have the intended effect of cutting emissions from fossil fuels."

The report cites evidence from the European Union and major cities showing that demand reduction isn't necessarily a matter of human hardship, and can coincide with economic growth and well-being for citizens through efficiency measures and urban planning that reduces dependence on cars. The authors conclude that aligning renewables with demand-side strategies is now central to meaningful decarbonization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and air conditioning represent two of the biggest current energy consumption challenges, but they also create a paradox: AI is being used to make air conditioning more efficient and reduce overall consumption. Electricity consumption in data centers, driven by AI, is expected to double by 2026. At the same time, air conditioning can account for up to 40% of residential electricity bills in the warmer months.

Here is an analysis of the relationship between these two factors:

1. Artificial intelligence: High data consumption...Data centers: Generative AI processing (chatbots, image generators) demands a massive amount of energy. Data centers accounted for 1.5% of global consumption, a number that is expected to double by 2030.

Environmental impact: It is estimated that AI could account for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Cooling needs: High processing generates heat, requiring powerful air conditioning systems (HVAC) to prevent server overheating, which consumes 30-40% of a data center's energy.

2. AI-powered Air Conditioning: energy efficiency... AI, however, is used to optimize air conditioning:

Savings of up to 30%: Models with embedded AI (such as Midea Ecomaster and LG DUAL Inverter AI Air) automatically adjust power and airflow to avoid waste.

Intelligent cooling: AI analyzes the environment and user habits, optimizing compressor use and preventing consumption peaks, potentially reducing energy consumption by up to 40% in data centers and commercial buildings.

3. Traditional Air Conditioning and the "Villain" of the Bill...High Consumption: In homes, air conditioning is often the main culprit in high electricity bills. A 12,000 BTU unit can consume around 182 kWh/month (8 hours daily).

Tips for saving energy: Avoiding very low temperatures (such as 18°C), performing regular maintenance (cleaning filters), and using "Inverter" mode are essential to reduce consumption.

The Paradox of energy...While AI increases the overall demand for electricity in the world (increasing the risk of pollution), it is simultaneously the technology that allows refrigeration equipment to operate more efficiently, paradoxically generating savings.

Provided by University of Sussex