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AI capex is so big that it's affecting economic statistics

(paulkedrosky.com)
338 points throw0101c | 1 comments | 18 Jul 25 19:59 UTC | HN request time: 0.207s | source
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gazpacho ◴[18 Jul 25 20:30 UTC] No.44609473[source]▶
I just wish we forced every new data center to be built with renewables or something. The marginal cost over a conventional data center can’t be that big compared to the total cost, and these companies can afford it. Maybe it can help advance the next generation of small modular nuclear reactors or something.
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1. jjk166 ◴[18 Jul 25 21:22 UTC] No.44609976[source]▶
At least in the US, it doesn't need to be forced. In 2024 94% of new US powerplant capacity in the US were renewables or battery storage, we're on track for 93% for 2025, and based on announced plans the next few years will see very similar numbers. What few fossil fuel power plants are being built are exclusively natural gas, and a decent number of them are conversions of former coal plants to natural gas. Planned additional natural gas plant capacity is lower than at any point since the shale revolution started. Renewables have won.