Paths to Equitable AI and Universal Electricity Access
Lawrence Jones is Senior Vice President of International Programs at Edison Electric Institute.
The artificial intelligence (AI) landscape is rapidly evolving. AI presents unique challenges due to its substantial demand for electricity, but simultaneously offers opportunities for enhancing our energy systems. We heard these themes throughout EEI 2024, which convened electric company executives, technology leaders, regulators, policymakers, and other thoughts leaders mid-June in Las Vegas.
Layered on top of the challenges of meeting growing demand for electricity is the reality that many communities across the globe lack reliable access to electricity, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the International Energy Agency, seven hundred sixty million people worldwide lack access to electricity today.
While we advance our industry goals, the global community should take a dual approach to work toward equitable AI and universal electricity access. Across societies, reliable electricity is a catalyst to economic development, technological innovation, improved access to education and healthcare, better governance, and much more.
In much of Europe, Asia, and North America, AI is seen as a tool to optimize energy systems and drive technological progress. These regions are making significant strides in integrating AI with energy, fostering an environment where technological advancement and energy efficiency go hand-in-hand.