Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dual narratives of the current era, emphasizing the rise of AI and the critical importance of energy as a fundamental resource for sustaining AI technologies. It argues that the future of AI is not just about computational power but also about energy supply, leading to a new paradigm termed the "New Watt Era" [5][6][8]. Group 1: The Shift in Understanding Energy and AI - The concept of "computational power" is evolving from an asset to a liability, as the energy demands of AI systems grow exponentially [7][12]. - Data centers are transforming from mere storage facilities into "digital furnaces" that consume vast amounts of electricity to produce intelligence [11][12]. - The energy required for AI operations is becoming a critical factor for entry into the market, shifting from a cost to a capital requirement [15][19]. Group 2: The New Landscape of Energy Acquisition - The new competition among tech giants is focused on securing energy sources rather than proximity to users, leading to a "new land grab" for energy hubs [16][17]. - Power purchase agreements are evolving into "energy treaties," reflecting the strategic importance of securing energy supply for AI operations [18]. - The fear of "computational stranding" is emerging, where expensive AI infrastructure becomes worthless without access to energy [19][21]. Group 3: The Role of the Power Grid - The power grid is being redefined as the "sovereign artery" of AI civilization, essential for transporting energy to support AI systems [22][23]. - The aging infrastructure of the power grid poses a significant risk, as it struggles to meet the increasing demands of AI technologies [23][24]. - The mismatch in manufacturing cycles between GPUs and power transformers creates a bottleneck in energy supply for AI operations [26][27]. Group 4: The New Power Hierarchy - A new power hierarchy is forming, with energy and grid controllers at the top, followed by computational power providers and AI application developers [36][40]. - The dynamics of power are shifting, as AI sovereignty must now seek permission from energy authorities, highlighting the interdependence of energy and AI [40][41]. Group 5: Future Energy Strategies of Tech Giants - Major tech companies are investing heavily in green energy sources, not solely for sustainability but to secure political and energy quotas [44][46]. - The pursuit of nuclear fusion and small modular reactors (SMRs) indicates a strategic move towards energy independence, allowing companies to bypass traditional energy constraints [46][48]. - The vision of a self-sufficient AI ecosystem powered by private energy sources reflects a significant shift in how tech giants view their operational frameworks [49][50]. Group 6: Reevaluation of Physical Resources - The article calls for a reevaluation of the physical limitations that govern AI development, emphasizing that energy is becoming the most critical resource [55][56]. - The illusion of unlimited information is being challenged by the reality of finite physical resources, necessitating a new understanding of value in the AI landscape [52][53][58].