GPT-3 used the most power at 1,287 megawatt-hours.

Then there’s water consumption associated with generative AI training.

One report says it guzzled 185,000 gallons of water over the course of its training."

A row of server buildings emitting clouds of heat, against the backdrop of two windmills.

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The problem is one of scale.

This amount is equivalent to the energy used by three US homes for an entire year.

“It isn’t just the energy consumption that is an environmental concern for AI,” he added.

Large boxes full of discarded mother boards and other computer components.

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Ultimately, the AI industry must find cleaner ways to produce data.

This approach could include using more energy-efficient processors and algorithms that require fewer calculations.