Will 99% of Electricity Really Power Superintelligent AI? Insights from Eric Schmidt

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Glowing electrical outlet symbolizing electricity use for superintelligent AI.

Eric Schmidt and the Future of Superintelligent AI

In a startling address to Congress, Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, warned that the demand for electricity to support superintelligent AI could skyrocket to a staggering 99 percent of total energy generation. Drawing parallels with dystopian literature, he suggested that without adequate energy resources, the future could mirror the grim predictions found in Harlan Ellison's 1967 story, 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream.' As Schmidt articulated, the industrial landscape is changing rapidly, with a predicted increase of 29 gigawatts by 2027 and an additional 67 gigawatts by 2030.

The Urgency of Energy Investment

Schmidt stresses that energy availability—whether renewable or non-renewable—is crucial for advancing AI technology. A sense of urgency permeates his message: "We need the energy in all forms, renewable, non-renewable, whatever. It needs to be there, and it needs to be there quickly." This reflects a broader concern within the tech industry about sustainability and the rapid expansion of AI systems that consume vast amounts of electricity, often with little regard for the environmental impact.

Global Power Dynamics and Superintelligence

Moreover, Schmidt's focus on global competitiveness raises questions about the geopolitical implications of AI advancement. He remarked, "If China comes to superintelligence first, it changes the dynamic of power globally, in ways that we have no way of understanding or predicting." This statement highlights the high stakes at play in the AI arms race, where access to power and technology can reshape global alliances and economic structures.

Industry's Relationship With Legislation

There’s an underlying tension in Schmidt's appeal; his comments echo a familiar Silicon Valley strategy: to secure favorable regulations through fear-based narratives. Reports have indicated that tech moguls may utilize corporate capture tactics to gain influence over lawmakers, subtly pushing for policies that favor industry growth over rigorous ethical or environmental considerations.

As lawmakers grapple with these narratives presented by influential figures like Schmidt, they must also consider the long-term implications of AI and energy consumption. The discourse on superintelligence is not just a tech issue; it’s a societal challenge that necessitates thoughtful governance.

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