Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, and behind this advancement lies a growing demand for electrical energy. As data centers expand, issues related to energy supply, infrastructure and innovation are important aspects to consider.
To better understand this request, Missouri S&T Kummer College Dean Jim Sterling I recently had a conversation with Dr. Donald Wunschprofessor and director of Kummer Institute Center for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems at S&T, who has spent over 25 years working at the intersection of AI and energy.
In this Q&A, Wunsch explains what the future might hold for AI energy needs and how S&T could help.
What research are you conducting around the growing demands for AI power?
OUR institution has extraordinary expertise. We study AI topics such as multi-objective optimization, time series analysis, multi-armed bandit models in reinforcement learning, imbalanced data analysis, and unsupervised learning for complexity reduction. We have several expert professors in each subject, something few universities can claim.
Clayco, an S&T partner, is helping build more than 55 data centers that will require three gigawatts of power. The country could need an additional 100 gigawatts by 2029. How will we meet this type of demand?
For nearly two decades, the United States has talked about an “all of the above” approach to energy leadership. Actual progress has been mixed, but the country has realized the urgent need to improve its production and transportation capabilities. This requires more power plants and locations for data centers.
Electricity markets are being disrupted by data centers, and demand to build more is skyrocketing. Currently, nine out of ten companies, by market capitalization, are AI companies. Oil companies aren’t even a footnote.
These companies want nuclear power, and they’re going to get it. Missouri S&T is well positioned to help. Fred Kummer was prescient in encouraging the college to embrace entrepreneurship, and Kummer College is doing everything in its power to encourage and support this opportunity. Meeting demand is a recognized need and our nation will rise to this need as we continue to face existential challenges. The Kummer Institute’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems and S&T has much to offer for these solutions.
We are told that the human brain uses very little energy to think. We wonder if computers of the future will need much less energy to learn, even though it appears they will need more. What are your thoughts?
That’s right! Our brains use about 20 watts no matter how difficult the task, which in the bad old days of incandescent bulbs was a night light. So, “dim bulb” is no longer an insulting cerebral metaphor, but the ultimate compliment! But you are also right: the recent development is only accelerating. This is why I am interested in biologically motivated AI. But even if we succeed, it won’t be at the 20 watt level, so you can expect the massive demand for data center power to continue for the foreseeable future.
How could S&T plan for this change? Is Missouri ready to participate or benefit in a unique way?
We should continue our good work. As mentioned above, leaders in the S&T sector have fully embraced Fred Kummer’s entrepreneurial vision. This stems from a deep recognition of what has always been in our institutional DNA. We have always had the David and Goliath ability to imagine things that others have missed and to do things that others have not done.
The transformations needed in AI and energy will together determine which nations and institutions will lead beyond the next century. Our job is to make sure that happens here. We can also participate in a more responsible and anti-hype approach to AI. Much of what you hear about AI is just grand hype. An antidote is my personal choice website.
