AI, The Age of Electricity and Avoidance of "Brain Rot" -- As the year 2024 winds down, one cannot help but think of the profound impact AI is having on our lives – both at an enterprise level and for individual consumers. Every time I think about the role of AI in energy transition, I’m reminded of one undeniable fact—change is never easy, but it is necessary. The past year has shown us that technology, paired with intent and collaboration, can pave the way for sustainable progress. I recently attended the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) conference on Energy and AI in Paris, where I had the chance to engage with leaders from governments, industries, and academia. Our discussions focused on how AI is reshaping the energy landscape, It became evident that AI plays a far more significant role than just improving efficiencies—it is driving fundamental transformation in the sector. AI and Crypto will drive demand for data centers which will further skyrocket the demand for electricity. Innovation in the electricity sector is pivotal for the progress of AI. Earlier this year at ONS 2024 in Norway, Infosys spotlighted how AI is accelerating energy transition. From strengthening grid resilience to optimizing renewable storage, it was inspiring to see AI’s role in making energy systems smarter, more sustainable and future ready. The conversations at ONS reinforced how far we’ve come, and the potential still to unlock. Energy transition is often seen as a straightforward goal, but in reality, it’s a deep, multi-faceted process. It’s about rethinking how we produce, store, and use energy, and integrating these changes effectively and profitably into businesses. But AI has the potential to make this journey smoother, faster and a whole lot easier. From AI-powered next-gen grids strengthening resilience to emissions dashboards simplifying carbon tracking, and renewable platforms maximizing clean energy yields—these aren’t just incremental improvements, they’re proof that Energy Transition can be scalable, achievable, and impactful. These successes have been built on strong partnerships—across industries, with technology providers, energy companies. Whether co-developing the Energy as a Solution platform with a client or creating Liquid Immersion Cooling solutions for green data centers, collaboration has driven innovation. Reflecting on this year, I feel optimistic. The progress we’ve made in 2024 is encouraging, but there’s more to do. AI has immense potential, but to realize its full impact, we need frameworks and policies that ensure its sustainable use. We also need industries to collaborate, share data, and co-create scalable solutions. As 2025 approaches, I’m filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. The Oxford dictionary word of the year 2024, brain rot, is a constant reminder of how we need to take time off our gadgets to relax and rejuvenate! Here’s to a new year filled with great health and happiness! #EnergyTransitionNow
William A. Baehrle
11mo
Great opportunity
Regarding brain rot, historically, IQs rose rather steadily over time. Some estimates indicate a 30 pt increase since the early 1900’s. This was known as the Flynn Effect (better education, nutrition, access to information). However, over the past decade, this trend has stalled and has started to reverse with general intelligence quotients. Though IQ tests are imperfect, we should not ignore the trend. Bite sized 15 second snippets are fun but do not provide the depth needed to truly gain new insights.