We’re living in an era of intriguing tech advances, where AI can write your emails, cryptocurrency can fuel entire economies, and quantum computing is set to (in the medium-term future) upend what we thought was (im)possible. But beneath the glossy headlines and ambitious innovations lies a problem that’s getting harder to ignore: this insatiable tech boom is devouring energy at a scale that’s threatening to warm up the planet. The race for more power—literal and metaphorical—is on, and if we don’t hit the brakes soon, we may run out of road.

AI and Crypto: Energy Hogs at Scale

If you think AI runs on magic, think again. Training today’s massive AI models, like OpenAI’s GPT-4 (soon to be vastly upgraded to version 5), doesn’t just require smart algorithms; it requires colossal amounts of energy. A single training cycle can chew through 1,287 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity—enough to power 120 homes for a full year. Data centers are ballooning in size to keep up, and if nothing changes, by 2025, these data-hungry monsters could be using up to 20% of the world’s electricity.

Meanwhile, crypto mining is pushing energy consumption into overdrive. Bitcoin alone eats up over 130 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually—more electricity than the entire country of Norway. Sure, some miners are making moves toward renewable energy, but the vast majority still rely on fossil fuels, leaving behind a massive carbon footprint in their digital wake.

Nuclear Power for Data Centers: The Next Chapter

The need for uninterrupted power is driving tech companies to look at an unlikely partner: nuclear power. Microsoft, for example, is exploring the use of small modular nuclear reactors to power their data centers. While nuclear energy sidesteps the carbon emissions of coal and gas (which I think is pretty cool), it’s not without its challenges: waste management, regulatory hurdles, and public skepticism all come into play. But one thing is clear—traditional power grids aren’t cutting it anymore, and tech companies will do whatever it takes to stay ahead.

The Quantum Race: Google, China, and Canada Are All In

The race for computing supremacy has never been more intense. From Google’s quantum processors to China’s government-backed research, countries and corporations are pouring billions into quantum computing. Canada, too, is flexing its muscle, positioning itself as a leader in next-gen quantum chip production. These chips promise unparalleled advances in AI, data analytics, and cryptography—but they also bring immense energy requirements. When processors get this powerful, the infrastructure to sustain them grows at a rate that’s hard to manage, both logistically and environmentally.

The Problem With Overpowered Computers

It’s not just data centers. Even our personal computers are turning into energy hogs. Take NVIDIA’s RTX 4090 GPUs, for example. These beasts can draw up to 600 watts of power at full tilt—so much energy they can trip power supplies that aren’t up to snuff. Gamers, data scientists, and crypto miners are all building rigs that demand more and more energy, pushing household electricity usage higher than ever. And for what? Incremental performance gains? Faster load times? Maybe we need to start asking if this endless chase for MORE POWER is worth the cost.

The Big Questions: Who Wins, Who Loses?

At the heart of this energy arms race lies a fundamental question: Where is all this power taking us? Sure, tech companies, governments, and a handful of early adopters will win big. AI breakthroughs, quantum dominance, and digital economies will drive profits, innovation, and geopolitical influence. But for everyone else—for the average household and the planet—the cost could outweigh the benefits. Carbon emissions, resource depletion, and rising energy bills are consequences that affect us all.

How to Be Part of the Solution in 2025

If you’re worried about this unsustainable trajectory—and you should be—here’s how we can start turning the tide:

1. Be Smarter About Computing:

  • Upgrade your hardware only when necessary. Do you really need that ultra-powerful GPU for browsing Reddit?
  • Choose energy-efficient devices with certifications like Energy Star. It will save you money in the short and long term.
  • Set your machines to low-power states when idle. It’s a small step, but it adds up.

2. Push for Renewable Energy:

  • Companies running data centers and mining farms need to commit to solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
  • Governments can drive this change with subsidies and clean energy incentives.

3. Demand Real ESG Accountability:

  • Let’s stop pretending that greenwashing is enough. Tech companies need to prioritize genuine Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals—like carbon neutrality and energy transparency.
  • Annual impact reports and science-backed targets should be the norm, not the exception.

4. Smarter AI Development:

  • Researchers must design energy-efficient algorithms that reduce the energy cost of AI training without sacrificing performance.

5. Recycle and Reuse:

  • Properly recycle old hardware to minimize e-waste.
  • Push manufacturers to design modular components so we can upgrade systems without tossing out perfectly good machines.

Final Thoughts: Is This Race Worth Running?

The bottom line is this: Technology is amazing, but the speed at which it’s growing is threatening the very planet we rely on. Tech companies, governments, and individuals all need to take a step back and ask: Are we building a sustainable future, or just chasing power for power’s sake? If we embrace energy efficiency, renewable solutions, and real accountability, we can create a future where innovation doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Otherwise, we’ll win the race to the top of the tech mountain, only to find the view isn’t worth it.

Get your issue