AI as a Cloud Sustainability Catalyst
Published on : Wednesday 07-08-2024
The potential benefits of AI in driving cloud sustainability are undeniable, says Sneha Sharma.
While artificial intelligence (AI) undoubtedly drives innovation and economic growth, its energy-intensive nature raises concerns about its environmental impact. Training large AI models consumes vast amounts of electricity, contributing to carbon emissions. However, AI also emerges as a potent tool to mitigate the environmental costs associated with cloud computing.
Cloud being the cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure consumes substantial energy. AI is used to optimise cloud infrastructure in some of the following ways (see chart).
For instance, AI-powered algorithms can dynamically adjust cooling systems based on real-time temperature and humidity levels, leading to significant energy savings. AI can also optimise server utilisation by consolidating workloads and identifying idle resources, reducing the need for additional hardware.
Beyond energy efficiency, AI contributes to sustainability by facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. By predicting renewable energy generation,
AI can optimise grid integration and energy storage, maximising the utilisation of clean energy. AI-driven predictive maintenance can extend the lifespan of hardware components, reducing electronic waste and the associated environmental impact.
While challenges such as the energy consumption of AI training remain, the potential benefits of AI in driving cloud sustainability are undeniable. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications for creating a greener digital future.
Sources:
1. https://www.techuk.org/resource/driving-cloud-sustainability-with-the-power-of-ai.html
1. https://technologymagazine.com/articles/sustainable-public-cloud-a-priority-for-enterprises-using-ai
Article Courtesy: NASSCOM Community – an open knowledge sharing platform for the Indian technology industry: https://community.nasscom.in/index.php/communities/cloud-computing/ai-cloud-sustainability-catalyst
Sneha Sharma is an analyst at NASSCOM. Her current focus areas include: IT services, AIOps, 5G, cloud, and project management. She also specialises in application rationalisation, cost optimisation, benchmarking, report writing, and market research.
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