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The Hidden Behemoth Behind Every AI Answer

Secondary article IEEE Spectrum
Accessed: 2026-10-10
Original source ↗ Archived copy ↗

Summary

Analysis of ChatGPT's energy consumption and theammenaging AI-powered queries reshape global infrastructure and energy demands.

Key quotes

"One year’s energy consumption is roughly equivalent to powering 29,000 U.S. homes for a year."
"The world could then see as many as 329 billion AI prompts per day by 2030."
"All generative AI queries consume 15 TWh in 2025 and will use 347 TWh by 2030."

This IEEE Spectrum article explores the energy demands of large-scale AI systems like ChatGPT, estimating its energy usage at 850 megawatt-hours per day (based on 2.5 billion queries and 0.34 Wh per query). It warns of future demand spikes, forecasting 329 billion daily AI prompts by 2030 if current trends continue, alongside exponential energy growth for new data centers to support AI infrastructure. The article cites varied estimates, highlighting the challenges AI poses to global energy supply.