The AI Effect on the Climate Crisis

Increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) is being touted as a climate hero. It can optimize energy systems, monitor emissions, and map environmental changes. But despite the potential benefits, AI is also cited as the reason for proposals to build new methane gas plants to meet the energy demands of data centers.

• The connection between AI and fossil fuels is troubling, given the immense energy demands of these facilities.
• The growth of data centers in Wisconsin and across the country is creating a paradox, with AI touted as a solution to the climate crisis, while fossil fuels are being cited as the reason for its continued use.

We need to acknowledge the contradiction and consider the long-term implications of our choices. The energy demands of data centers will undoubtedly grow as AI continues to advance. However, meeting these demands with fossil fuels will only lead to increased pollution and volatile energy costs.

The Case for a Clean Energy Future

Investing in clean energy projects is crucial for Wisconsin’s future. These projects can create good jobs, protect public health, and keep energy costs stable for consumers. The benefits of clean energy are numerous:

1. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
2. Clean energy projects can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
3. A modern clean energy economy can attract investment and high-tech jobs, driving economic growth.

We need to prioritize investments in clean energy and storage, rather than fossil fuels. This includes:

1. Developing and deploying renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power.
2. Improving energy efficiency in buildings and homes.
3. Enhancing smart grid systems to manage energy demand.

Avoiding the Traps of Fossil Fuels

Building new fossil fuel infrastructure can have severe consequences. The cost of repair becomes higher than if we had waited and used the proper materials from the start. In the context of energy, this means:

As you can see, the costs of fossil fuels are significantly higher than those of clean energy. Investing in fossil fuels today will only lock us into decades of volatile energy costs and increased pollution.

A Holistic Approach to Energy Planning

Wisconsin needs to take a more holistic approach to planning for its energy future. This means considering not just our current needs but also looking at the clean economy we’re trying to build and the health, environmental, and financial impacts of our choices.

“The decisions we make today will shape every part of our economy—and our climate—for generations.”

— Jodi Jean Amble, Deputy Director at RENEW Wisconsin

The Importance of Data Centers and Clean Energy

Data centers are a critical component of the clean energy economy. They require massive amounts of electricity to operate, but these facilities can also be a source of renewable energy if powered by clean sources.

• Data centers can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
• Airside data centers can be powered by excess renewable energy, reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the growth of data centers in Wisconsin and across the country creates a paradox. On one hand, AI is touted as a solution to the climate crisis, while on the other hand, fossil fuels are being cited as the reason for its continued use.

Urging Policymakers to Make Future-Focused Decisions

As data centers look to establish a footprint in Wisconsin and utilities propose new methane gas plants to support them, we need to urge our policymakers to make future-focused decisions. Wisconsin can either cling to an outdated energy model built on pollution, price volatility, and energy dollars sent out of state, or we can invest in a clean, resilient future powered by homegrown energy.
— Jodi Jean Amble, Deputy Director at RENEW Wisconsin

A Brighter Future for Wisconsin

Wisconsin has the potential to become a leader in the clean energy economy. By prioritizing investments in clean energy and storage, we can create good jobs, protect public health, and keep energy costs stable for consumers. Imagine a future where Wisconsin’s energy demand is met by renewable energy sources, powered by AI-enabled energy efficiency.
This is a future worth working towards. Let’s make the right choices for the benefit of our communities, our economy, and our planet.