Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across the globe, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and logistics. However, while AI promises economic growth, improved efficiency, and enhanced decision-making, its sustainability has come under increasing scrutiny. The UK’s National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) has raised alarms over the significant energy consumption, water usage, and reliance on critical materials needed to power AI systems. As AI adoption continues to grow, the environmental impact of its expansion has become a pressing concern.
The Energy Burden of AI
A recent NEPC report highlights the staggering energy requirements of AI systems, warning that the AI industry could consume as much electricity as the Netherlands by 2027. Furthermore, by 2030, approximately 20 percent of all electricity produced in the United States could be directed toward data centres that power AI operations. These projections raise serious questions about the long-term sustainability of AI and the potential strain on global energy resources.
AI models, particularly large-scale generative models such as OpenAI’s GPT series and Google’s DeepMind, require vast computational power. Training these models involves running thousands of high-performance GPUs and TPUs continuously for weeks or even months. This not only drives up electricity consumption but also increases greenhouse gas emissions, especially in regions where fossil fuels remain the primary energy source.
Water and Critical Material Concerns
Beyond electricity, AI systems also depend on substantial water resources to cool data centres. The intensive water usage exacerbates environmental stress, particularly in drought-prone areas. Additionally, AI hardware relies on scarce materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are mined under challenging conditions and often linked to environmental degradation and human rights issues.
The NEPC report underscores the need for sustainable sourcing of these materials and improved efficiency in AI infrastructure to reduce environmental and ethical risks. Without immediate interventions, AI’s rapid expansion could lead to resource depletion and increased ecological damage.
Steps Toward Sustainable AI
The NEPC report outlines five key steps to enhance AI sustainability:
Improving AI Efficiency – Developing more energy-efficient algorithms and hardware to reduce computational costs without compromising performance.
Optimising Data Centres – Designing green data centres that utilise renewable energy sources, improve cooling technologies, and minimize energy waste.
Sustainable Hardware Development – Encouraging responsible sourcing and recycling of critical materials used in AI hardware.
Regulatory Measures and Policies – Implementing government policies and industry standards to promote sustainable AI practices.
Incentivising Research and Innovation – Funding research initiatives that focus on developing sustainable AI technologies and alternative power sources.
Adopting these measures would help mitigate AI’s environmental footprint while ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the cost of the planet’s health.
The Implications for Africa
The challenges of AI sustainability have far-reaching implications for Africa, a continent that is still grappling with energy security and infrastructure limitations. As AI adoption increases across various sectors—including agriculture, healthcare, and financial technology—the question arises: how can African nations sustain AI growth without exacerbating existing resource constraints?
Africa’s current energy landscape is characterized by inconsistent power supply, with many countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Widespread AI deployment could further strain energy grids and increase carbon emissions unless renewable energy sources are prioritized. Moreover, the high cost of AI infrastructure could limit accessibility and widen the digital divide between technologically advanced and developing nations.
However, Africa also presents unique opportunities for sustainable AI. The continent has immense potential for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By integrating AI advancements with green energy projects, African nations could develop a more sustainable technological ecosystem while addressing their existing energy challenges.
Where Does This Leave Nigeria?
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, faces significant power infrastructure challenges that complicate AI adoption. The country’s electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent power outages and heavy dependence on diesel generators. These issues raise concerns about Nigeria’s ability to support energy-intensive AI systems without exacerbating its energy crisis.
To navigate this challenge, Nigeria must prioritise investments in:
Renewable Energy Projects – Expanding solar and wind energy projects to provide a stable power source for AI-driven industries.
Energy-Efficient AI Infrastructure – Encouraging the development and use of AI models that require less computational power.
Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborating with private sector players to build green data centres and improve technological infrastructure.
Government Policy and Regulation – Establishing policies that promote AI sustainability and energy efficiency.
By addressing these issues, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in sustainable AI in Africa, leveraging its growing tech ecosystem while minimizing the environmental impact.
The sustainability of AI is a growing concern that demands urgent attention. As AI systems continue to expand, so do their energy, water, and material requirements. The NEPC report’s call for action underscores the need for governments, industries, and researchers to collaborate on sustainable solutions.
For Africa and Nigeria, in particular, AI presents both challenges and opportunities. While the continent faces energy constraints, its vast renewable resources offer a pathway toward sustainable AI development. By adopting energy-efficient AI models, investing in renewable energy, and enforcing sustainability policies, African nations can harness the power of AI without compromising their environmental future.
As the AI industry grows, sustainability must remain at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that technological progress benefits both people and the planet.
