Initial reports claimed ChatGPT consumed ten times more energy per query than a Google search, sparking concern over AI’s climate impact. The figure, traced to 2023 data scientist Alex de Vries, estimated 3 watt-hours per ChatGPT question versus Google’s 0.3 watt-hours, last reported in 2009. However, recent figures suggest parity.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirms newer ChatGPT models now use approximately 0.3 watt-hours per query, the same as Google’s old benchmark. With no updated Google figures, critics say the comparison is outdated. As AI evolves rapidly, energy claims must be reexamined.
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