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We all love using AI to help us get stuff done. It feels effortless and freeing, but your everyday use quietly racks up quite the energy bill behind the scenes.
- Text queries (ChatGPT-style): One prompt uses ~10× the energy of a Google search. A 5–10 minute chat can equal charging your phone once.
- Image generation (Midjourney, DALL·E, etc.): Each high-quality image burns roughly the power needed to run a light bulb for 20–60 minutes—or fully charge your phone.
- Video generation (Sora-style tools): A short 5-second clip can consume ~0.9–1 kWh—enough to run a microwave for over an hour. Longer tries? Easily 2–4 kWh per video.
Quick reality check: A fun creative session (a few chats + 10 images + a couple short videos) can hit 2–3 kWh—about what an e-bike uses for 100+ km.
Who knew AI was eating so much energy juice?
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