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#AI & ML
MIT
MIT
3w ago 31 views

In a first, Google has released data on how much energy an AI prompt uses

Google has released a report detailing the energy consumption of its Gemini AI, revealing that median prompts use 0.24 watt-hours of electricity.
In a first, Google has released data on how much energy an AI prompt uses
A What happened
In a groundbreaking report, Google has disclosed the energy consumption associated with its Gemini AI applications, revealing that the median prompt consumes 0.24 watt-hours of electricity. This amount is comparable to running a standard microwave for about one second. The report also includes estimates for water consumption and carbon emissions, marking a significant move towards transparency in the AI sector. Notably, the energy used by AI chips accounts for only 58% of the total demand, with supporting infrastructure contributing significantly. Google has also reported a dramatic reduction in energy use over time, with median energy consumption dropping 33 times from May 2024 to May 2025. The report aims to inform users about the environmental impact of their AI interactions, emphasizing that the energy and water usage are minimal compared to everyday activities.

Key insights

  • 1

    Energy Consumption Transparency

    Google's report provides unprecedented insights into AI energy usage.

  • 2

    Supporting Infrastructure Impact

    Infrastructure accounts for a significant portion of total energy demand.

  • 3

    Reduction in Energy Use

    Median energy consumption has dramatically decreased over the past year.

Takeaways

Google's report represents a significant advancement in understanding the energy demands of AI technologies.

Read the full article on MIT