Artificial Intelligence is shaking up the green energy world — and not just because it uses a lot of power. In 2025, AI is proving to be a powerful tool in optimizing renewable energy, accelerating clean tech innovation, and even helping build a circular economy. But can something so energy-hungry actually help save the planet? Andrea dives into the pros, cons, and surprising opportunities of AI’s role in the sustainability revolution.
In a landmark move toward securing clean, reliable energy for its rapidly expanding data centers, Google has partnered with nuclear startup Elementl Power to develop three advanced nuclear reactor sites totaling 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generation capacity. This collaboration underscores the tech giant’s commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy while meeting the soaring power demands driven by AI and cloud computing. The project will feature next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs), marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of nuclear energy and its integration into the modern grid.
Elon Musk’s xAI project in Memphis is under fire for exacerbating environmental and social injustices in historically Black and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Accusations of “environmental racism” have arisen due to the facility’s massive resource consumption, air and water pollution, and lack of transparency. The supercomputer, named “Colossus,” powers the Grok AI chatbot but requires 4 million liters of water daily and 150 megawatts of electricity, equivalent to powering 100,000 homes annually. Local residents, already burdened by industrial contamination, see no benefits from the project, which has worsened existing pollution. Meanwhile, critics question whether Musk’s ventures prioritize profit over sustainability and societal well-being.
Japan’s Kyosemi Corporation is challenging the traditional flat-panel design with their spherical solar cells, known as Sphelar. These photovoltaic spheres are revolutionizing how we harness energy from the sun by capturing sunlight omnidirectionally—direct sunlight, reflected rays, and ambient light. Unlike flat panels, which are optimized for static lab conditions, Sphelar cells adapt to the sun’s movement throughout the day and across seasons, addressing inefficiencies in energy capture. Developed through experiments in microgravity environments, these cells minimize material waste and maximize efficiency, offering a versatile solution for urban environments and decentralized energy systems.
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Researchers in Japan have developed a groundbreaking method to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO) in just 15 minutes using a low-cost cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) catalyst. This innovation, achieved through a simple spray technique, addresses key challenges of traditional CO₂ conversion methods, offering superior efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness. By transforming a major greenhouse gas into a valuable resource for synthetic fuels, this technology advances Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization (CCU) efforts, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.