[Me & X] Energy and AI
X : Any thoughts on energy and AI?
Me : Hmmm ... you need some? What are you after?
X : Will AI drive more energy demand?
Me : Of course. I did a talk on this exact topic at the Royal Society in 2013, how higher order systems such as intelligent agents would drive more energy demand.
X : What should we focus on?
Me : Three things. Better understanding of the grid, effective modelling capabilities and diverse power generation including renewables and micro nuclear. Most modern grids can be considered large A/C machines and things like mechanical inertia (big metal spinning disks) matter for reasons of stability. Without clear models based upon a decent supply chain awareness then it's difficult for policy makers to make sensible choices.
X : What about hydrogen and carbon capture?
Me : Mostly bonkers stuff designed to prolong the use of fossil fuels. I'm a fan of trees and plankton for carbon capture. Our planetary ecosystem has evolved pretty effective mechanisms for this.
X : What about the UK's energy policy?
Me : The "Dash for Gas" was a mistake. Fast response batteries, RT decision making, micro nuclear are all worthy candidates to think about from a social benefit point of view. But the market focus and investment tends towards things that make money rather than things society needs.
X : Will AI replace software engineers by 2025?
Me : That's an entirely different topic but no. Those claims are misinformation.
Originally published on LinkedIn.