CASE STUDY The energy paradox

The space race gave us game-changing technologies—from solar panels and GPS to the cameras in our phones. Now, the race toward Artificial General Intelligence is set to do the same, but on a much bigger scale. As AI becomes the world’s most valuable asset, it will drive massive demand for computing power, creating the perfect incentive to finally crack the global energy problem.

With compute as the new gold, AI-driven investments could unlock breakthroughs in nuclear fusion, mastering control of miniature reactors. As energy costs drop, AI will revolutionize efficiencies everywhere—adjusting lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy, weather, and pricing, all in real-time.

Advances in low-cost batteries and transparent solar cells could turn windows into mini power plants, while superconductive circuits enable infinite energy storage. We could be headed for a future where automated goods and services come at nearly zero cost.

But... enter the infamous Jevons Paradox, ready to spoil the party: Any increase in energy efficiency will likely just drive even more ravenous consumption. The more we save, the more we’ll burn: unlimited robot efficiency... meets unlimited human appetite.

So, what’s your bet? Will your AI-driven energy bill shrink—or explode?