The Future of Energy Hinges on Technology Rooted in Video Gaming, Says Jensen Huang at the Edison Electric Institute’s 2024

The future of energy may depend on technology originally developed for the video game industry, according to NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang. During a keynote session at the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) 2024 conference in Las Vegas, Huang highlighted how his company, founded over 30 years ago to enhance gaming experiences through accelerated computing, is now pivotal in driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and energy efficiency.

From Gaming to Energy Solutions

Jensen Huang, who co-founded NVIDIA in 1993, emphasized the company’s longstanding goal of integrating accelerated computing into various applications.

Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, introduced Huang and reflected on NVIDIA’s precarious beginnings. Despite early challenges, Huang’s leadership has propelled NVIDIA to become the world’s most valuable public company, with his net worth soaring to about $119 billion, making him the 11th-richest person globally.

Pizarro pointed out the increasing demand for electricity, a shift from years of flat growth, noting its intersection with technological advancements. Huang agreed, predicting substantial growth in energy consumption driven by AI.

Accelerated Computing and Energy Efficiency

NVIDIA’s growth strategy focuses on expanding accelerated computing to more applications. Huang explained, “The first thing that we’re doing is that we’re accelerating every application we can. And when we accelerate an application, not only do we speed it up, we reduce the cost of computing, we reduce the energy consumed by a lot.”

Huang’s comments highlight how digitization and AI are becoming integral to the energy sector. He noted that AI’s efficiency stems from moving away from general-purpose computing to more specialized, energy-efficient solutions. This shift is exemplified by AI applications like ChatGPT, which leverage the vast knowledge available on the Internet.

Impact on the Power Generation Sector

The digitization of power generation means NVIDIA’s technology is increasingly influencing electric utilities and the energy industry. Pizarro highlighted the benefits utilities gain from smart meter technology and AI, which help in better matching power supply with demand. Huang added that the current limits on energy consumption are based on population size, but future industrial revolutions, driven by digital intelligence, will greatly enhance productivity.

Collaboration and Future Innovations

Huang stressed the importance of applying AI to energy delivery. NVIDIA is collaborating with EEI, Utilidata, and Portland General Electric to integrate AI into the power grid. He likened future power networks to app stores, where AI would facilitate efficient connections between power supply and demand. Pizarro acknowledged NVIDIA’s role in driving technological advancements, expressing optimism about future collaborations.

In summary, NVIDIA’s journey from enhancing video games to transforming energy efficiency underscores the potential of AI and accelerated computing to drive future energy solutions. Huang’s vision highlights a future where AI not only optimizes energy consumption but also fosters industrial growth and innovation.

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