Artificial intelligence (AI), which includes both machine learning and large language models (LLMs), is transforming how we approach energy efficiency, especially in data centers and other energy-intensive sectors.
At ACEEE, our research has focused on harnessing intelligent efficiency—leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights to optimize energy systems. As new AI capabilities evolve—particularly LLMs—they unlock new opportunities to reduce energy use, enhance grid flexibility, and drive sustainability across industries.
This initiative explores three key intersections of AI and energy efficiency:
- Managing explosive load growth from AI. AI-driven data centers and new manufacturing facilities are fueling unprecedented electricity demand. Meeting this challenge requires strategies to improve efficiency and ensure the future reliability of the grid.
- Intelligent efficiency. AI can optimize energy use through smart manufacturing, grid-interactive efficient buildings, and other applications that cut waste while maintaining productivity.
- The importance of Scope 4 emissions. AI tools can help companies avoid emissions across their value chains by enabling more efficient design, product use, and service delivery.
ACEEE’s ongoing research in these areas offers actionable insights to help industries and policymakers effectively use these emerging tools.
Resources
- Future-Proof AI Data Centers, Grid Reliability, and Affordable Energy: Recommendations for Policymakers (White Paper) – April 7, 2025
- Can Artificial Intelligence Get Us to Net-Zero Buildings? (Blog Post) – November 1, 2024
- Turning Data Centers into Grid and Regional Assets: Considerations and Recommendations (Policy Brief) – October 17, 2024
- AI Can Accelerate the Clean Energy Transition—But Only If We Train It To (Blog Post) – June 3, 2024
- How to Decarbonize Industrial Process Heat While Building American Manufacturing (Policy Brief) – April 23, 2024
- Electrification with Clean Power Is Key for a Growing, Competitive Industrial Sector (Blog Post) – April 23, 2024
- Estimating the Handprints of Network Technologies to Make Informed Business Decisions (Research Report) – September 20, 2023
- A Modeling Approach to Estimate Handprint Impacts: Applications in Grid Management and Beyond (White Paper) – September 20, 2023
- Clean Power for Industry: Unlocking Flexible, Renewable Energy (Research Report) – August 21, 2023
- “Carbon Handprint” Can Measure Companies’ Positive Climate Impacts and Spur Additional Action (Blog Post) – November 14, 2022
- A Preliminary Assessment of Handprint Methodologies for Information and Communications Technology (White Paper) – November 14, 2022
- State of the Market: Grid-Interactive Efficient Building Utility Programs (White Paper) – October 30, 2019
Support the Work That Makes Energy Go Further
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.