AI’s energy appetite, datacenter emissions and the tech helping grids and climate models cope.
204 articles
Waymo is repurposing used batteries from its robotaxi fleet to serve as backup energy storage for power grids in California and Texas. This initiative highlights a sustainable lifecycle strategy for high-capacity autonomous vehicle hardware.
Ars Technica · 107d ago
A new UN report highlights the significant environmental toll of AI, suggesting that unnecessary pleasantries in chatbot prompts contribute to massive energy consumption. The study emphasizes the hidden costs of AI infrastructure on global resources.
SCMP Technology · 108d ago
Fusion startup Xcimer Energy has successfully ignited its 'Phoenix' laser system, the largest privately-owned laser facility. The project aims to commercialize inertial confinement fusion for clean energy.
cnBeta (Full RSS) · 108d ago
Uber Technologies Inc. is scaling its electric motorcycle operations in Kenya as part of its global commitment to achieve zero-emissions by 2040.
Bloomberg Technology · 108d ago
Environmental activist Erin Brockovich is launching a campaign focused on the secrecy surrounding data center operations. The initiative highlights growing public and regulatory scrutiny regarding the environmental and resource impact of AI infrastructure.
TechCrunch AI · 111d ago
Stellantis announced the revival of the iconic Citroën 2CV as a pure electric vehicle, scheduled for a 2026 Paris Motor Show debut. The car aims to be one of Europe's most affordable EVs, priced from 15,000 euros.
IT之家 · 120d ago
Researchers are addressing the challenge of monitoring lake water volume by integrating satellite remote sensing with 3D depth data. This advancement improves the accuracy of large-scale surface water resource assessment.
cnBeta (Full RSS) · 123d ago
China's green electricity certificate (GEC) prices have seen a sharp increase in 2025, reaching an average of 5.57 yuan per certificate. This trend reflects growing market demand and increased recognition of the environmental value of green energy.
36氪 · 125d ago
Researchers at the University of Rochester have significantly improved the efficiency of solar thermoelectric generators. By optimizing structural and thermal management, they achieved a 15-fold increase in output with minimal weight gain.
cnBeta (Full RSS) · 126d ago
The article explores how recurring oil price shocks in Africa have historically stalled clean energy investment. It suggests that 2026 may finally mark a shift toward prioritizing sustainable energy infrastructure over fossil fuel dependence.
TechCabal · 127d ago
Researchers at NTU have created ultra-thin, transparent solar cells. This technology allows glass surfaces to generate power without compromising aesthetics.
Digital Trends · 127d ago
Researcher Sasha Luccioni emphasizes the urgent need for standardized emissions data in AI. She argues that understanding real-world AI usage patterns is critical to reducing the environmental footprint of large models.
Wired AI · 129d ago
Startup Atoco is preparing production of a device that extracts 4,000 liters of water daily from air to aid drought-ravaged communities. Water risks are intensified by AI data centers and the Iran War.
Bloomberg Technology · 130d ago
A data center consumed 30 million gallons of water for months without anyone noticing. This incident exposes the massive water demands of AI infrastructure for cooling.
Ars Technica AI · 131d ago
A large data center park in Fayette County, Georgia, consumed over 29 million gallons of tap water for months without a bill. Nearby luxury community residents reported significantly low water pressure during the same period.
cnBeta (Full RSS) · 131d ago
This arXiv paper introduces an AI-driven framework for ESG performance assessment in European SMEs, using expert-validated baselines from Flash Eurobarometer FL549 survey data. A scalable AI agent system on the n8n platform employs LLMs for automated classification and contextual recommendations.
ArXiv AI · 136d ago
Meta has signed its first contract with Overview Energy for solar power beamed from space, enabling nighttime usage. This deal represents an initial step toward realizing space-based solar power.
TechCrunch AI · 145d ago
Apple, alongside Luxshare Precision, BYD, BOE, GM, and eBay, opposes GHGP's Scope 2 revisions mandating hourly matching of electricity consumption to clean energy. The group supports updates but argues mandatory rules will raise power prices and slow voluntary clean energy markets.
IT之家 · 149d ago
The data center boom driven by AI companies is projected to generate massive greenhouse gas emissions. Facilities from OpenAI, Meta, xAI, and Microsoft could emit over 129 million tons annually.
Ars Technica AI · 149d ago
NVIDIA AI powers applications in climate monitoring, conservation, disaster response, and recycling to safeguard the environment. The blog details five key initiatives from rainforests to recycling plants.
NVIDIA Blog · 150d ago
AI expansion could generate up to 5 million metric tons of e-waste by 2030. Rapid hardware upgrades and data center builds drive this crisis.
Digital Trends · 154d ago
Microsoft and US tech firms lobbied EU to add a confidentiality clause to green regulations. This hides individual data center pollution from public scrutiny.
cnBeta (Full RSS) · 155d ago
Microsoft's pledge to be carbon-negative by 2030 faces challenges from surging generative AI data center power demands, projected to double by 2030 per IEA. Critics label offsets as greenwashing amid emissions spikes from new facilities like a West Virginia AI center.
Computerworld · 157d ago
Amazon's board urges shareholders to reject a proposal for greater disclosure on how AWS datacenter expansion impacts climate commitments. The company prefers limited transparency amid rapid growth in cloud infrastructure.
The Register - AI/ML · 162d ago
China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment revealed on March 30 that AI and big data are deeply integrated into ecological monitoring and enforcement, delivering tangible results. This ushers environmental governance into an intelligent era.
36氪 · 173d ago
Google’s AI research reveals avoiding contrail formation can drastically reduce aviation’s climate impact. This optimization requires no major flight path alterations.
Digital Trends · 183d ago
Siemens and Rittal formed a strategic partnership to co-develop future products for efficient power distribution in data centers. Solutions emphasize sustainability.
36氪 · 186d ago
Meta’s AI-optimized data centers invest in the US economy by creating jobs, using energy responsibly, and supporting local communities. They emphasize water stewardship, philanthropic giving, and environmental benefits.
Meta Newsroom · 199d ago
Meta announced the recipients of this year's Data Center Community Action Grants. These grants provide funding to schools, nonprofits, and community organizations near its data centers.
Meta Newsroom · 200d ago
Apple Machine Learning presents A.R.I.S., a low-cost portable sorter for shredded e-waste. It uses YOLOx for real-time classification of metals, plastics, and circuit boards with low latency.
Apple Machine Learning · 207d ago