India’s renewable energy progress remarkable, AI could shape its future: WEF’s Roberto Bocca

While progress in renewables is significant, the rising energy demand poses a major challenge. There were advancements in the global energy transition in 2024, but they fell short of expectations. Energy, he said, remains central to geopolitical and geoeconomic developments, making an accelerated transition essential.

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Bocca discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on energy, highlighting its dual role.

AI affects both the supply and demand of energy. While it will increase energy needs, particularly in areas like data centers, it also has the potential to enhance efficiency and reduce overall demand, he explained.

In the medium term, these effects may balance each other, but short-term spikes in energy demand are expected in specific sectors.

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The potential of AI to optimise energy systems and improve sustainability could be transformative in addressing global energy challenges.

The other element is that nuclear energy is increasingly being viewed by more countries and companies as a solution to meet growing energy demand while helping to decarbonise the energy system.

It’s not just about AI, and nuclear isn’t solely a solution for AI-related energy needs—it is now being reconsidered as a key option on the agenda by many governments.

For the full interview, watch the accompanying video.