Alex De Vries

Alex de Vries, an expert in energy use and AI from Digiconomist, discusses the rapid growth of AI's power consumption, comparing it to the trajectory of Bitcoin. The podcast explores the estimation of AI consumption through tracking GPU production. It also touches on the challenges of measuring power requirements, the dominance of NVIDIA chips in the AI market, and the potential environmental impact of discarded GPUs. The podcast emphasizes the energy-intensive nature of AI, questions feasibility, and suggests the need for regulatory considerations.

In this engaging discussion, Alex de Vries-Gao, Founder of Digiconomist and researcher on digital sustainability, delves into the escalating energy demands of AI. He highlights the complexity of quantifying AI's power consumption and the gaps in corporate transparency that hinder accurate measurements. Alex notes that AI's energy usage could rival that of the Netherlands, impacting electricity demand and environmental policies. He warns about the hidden costs of unchecked growth and advocates for responsible innovation amidst rising emissions.

Lyn Alden, a financial analyst and founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy, joins Alex De Vries, founder of Digiconomist, to debate the environmental impact of cryptocurrency. They discuss the staggering energy consumption of Bitcoin, equating it to Sweden's annual use, and explore misconceptions around its carbon footprint. Alden argues for the renewable strides made by crypto, while De Vries critiques the heavy reliance on fossil fuels. They also delve into the evolution of Ethereum and the potential for sustainable mining practices, leaving listeners questioning the future of digital assets.