Sam Altman: Energy for ChatGPT Query Can Power Lightbulb for...
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, recently discussed the energy consumption of ChatGPT in relation to powering a lightbulb. Altman highlighted that the energy required for an average ChatGPT query could sustain a lightbulb for a short period of time.
Energy Consumption of ChatGPT
In a blog post, Altman mentioned that the average ChatGPT query consumes approximately 0.34 watt-hours of energy 
. This is equivalent to what an oven uses in just over a second or a high-efficiency lightbulb uses in a couple of minutes. Additionally, the energy usage includes about 0.000085 gallons of water, roughly one-fifteenth of a teaspoon.
Future Predictions
Altman expressed his belief that energy will become more abundant by the 2030s. He emphasized that energy, together with the constraints of human intelligence, has significantly limited human progress for an extended period 
. Altman also noted that as data center production becomes automated, the cost of intelligence is expected to align closely with the cost of electricity.
Cost Efficiency of AI
Altman previously predicted that the cost of using AI would decrease significantly 
. He pointed out that the cost reduction trend is evident, citing the price drop per token from GPT-4 to GPT-4o as an example. Altman compared this trend to Moore's law but highlighted its exponential strength in the realm of AI.
Nuclear Energy in Data Centers
Tech companies, aiming to excel in AI, are exploring the use of nuclear energy to power their data centers. Companies like Microsoft and Google have struck deals related to nuclear energy. Microsoft signed a long-term agreement with Constellation Energy to reactivate a dormant nuclear plant, while Google partnered with Kairos Power to develop small modular nuclear reactors.
Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, expressed the company's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, considering nuclear and solar energy options to support this goal.
Overall, Altman's insights shed light on the energy dynamics of AI tools like ChatGPT and the evolving landscape of energy consumption in the tech industry.
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