In my latest column in Foreign Policy with Jared Dunnmon, we explain why making it much easier to generate and transport more power in US, particularly clean firm, is key to US economic and security interests in the age of AI—as well as necessary to confront climate change.
For the big tech firms, meeting these energy needs is existential in AI era. If it’s too hard to build at home, they’ll look abroad; if too hard or takes too long to build clean, they’ll turn to gas; if they struggle to meet power needs, the US risks ceding AI leadership to China.
We identify 5 steps for the next administration to maintain AI leadership:
First, support research and large-scale government purchase programs that encourage innovation to curb projected power needs of AI through more efficient AI software/hardware.
Second, make it easier to build new energy infrastructure, starting with the current permitting reform bill in Congress.
Third, reform today’s utility business model to increase incentives to use the existing grid more efficiently and protect existing ratepayers from costs of new power.
Fourth, support deployment of advanced clean firm power, notably nuclear and geothermal. If long timelines for transmission and nuclear lead tech firms that need power fast to turn to gas, they must meet CO2 capture standards in the recently finalized EPA rule.
Fifth, prioritize diplomacy and engagement with partner nations to create opportunities abroad for US firms in AI, accelerate the pace of AI innovation in allies, reduce Chinese influence on the global AI ecosystem, and protect against cyber threats and illicit tech transfer.
Finally, all these steps should be taken with three policy goals in mind simultaneously: (1) hold existing ratepayers harmless; (2) require new power generation for AI be clean; (3) allow tech firms to move quickly to meet rapidly growing power needs.
In sum, streamlining permitting, deploying next-generation clean energy systems, and strengthening cooperation with allies are necessary not only to curb the threat of climate change but to maintain America’s economic competitiveness & national security in the coming age of AI.
