AI may exacerbate the energy trilemma.

Abstract

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is intensifying the global energy trilemma, threatening security, equity, and sustainability. Its soaring electricity demand-projected to rival Japan's entire annual consumption by 2030-is the primary driver. This surge poses a direct threat to energy security, as demand growth dramatically outpaces grid infrastructure development and provokes regional power crises. This trend also undermines energy equity: locally, it drives up electricity prices, unfairly burdening consumers, while globally, it creates a stark imbalance wherein developed nations reap the benefits of AI while developing regions disproportionately bear the environmental costs of raw material extraction. Finally, this dynamic challenges energy sustainability, as short-term, AI-driven productivity gains are often eclipsed by unsustainable energy consumption. While AI holds immense long-term potential to advance a green transition, realizing this is contingent upon embedding the technology within an inclusive governance framework that aligns its trajectory with the overarching goals of sustainable development.