AI’s Energy Frenzy: U.S. to Outconsume Spain by 2028 | #DaNews

  • January 24, 2025

In the next three years, data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States could represent between 6.7% and 12% of the nation’s total electricity consumption, surpassing even Spain’s annual usage. A report from the Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that these AI-focused facilities will demand at least 325 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2028—more than the electricity consumed by Spain, Italy, or the United Kingdom in 2023. This escalation in energy requirements has prompted a pivot toward nuclear power, with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon forging agreements to secure a stable and robust energy supply for their AI workloads.


Meanwhile, the U.S. government, under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, has announced “the greatest AI infrastructure in history,” backed by a consortium that includes OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and the UAE’s MGX sovereign fund. Despite questions around economic viability and environmental impact, the Department of Energy projects that even at half capacity, these AI facilities could strain the electric grid with a need for up to 132 gigawatts of installed power. Industry experts note that small modular reactors (SMRs) might be an attractive solution, given their potential to generate up to 300 megawatts (MW) at reduced cost and environmental impact.


As AI becomes more pervasive, energy considerations will play a pivotal role in long-term business strategy. Startups and established firms alike should explore partnerships with energy providers, invest in more efficient hardware and software architectures, and advocate for cleaner, more sustainable power sources. Diversifying energy options not only helps maintain operational continuity but also strengthens a company’s reputation among environmentally conscious investors and clients.


Source: González, F. (2025, January 23). La IA en Estados Unidos consumirá más energía que toda España en 2028. WIRED en Español. https://es.wired.com/articulos/ia-en-estados-unidos-consumira-mas-energia-que-toda-espana-en-2028


Robot Overload:: Are We On The Verge Of A Machine-Run Wall Street?

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IndexGPT, a forthcoming AI-driven investment advisor registered by JP Morgan Chase, promises to reshape global finance by analyzing vast amounts of data to offer personalized investment strategies—much like ChatGPT, but tailored to the financial sphere. Slated for a 2026 or 2027 debut, this tool could revolutionize portfolio management, freeing human advisors from repetitive tasks and heralding an era of machine-optimized trading. Yet it also raises alarm bells: if everyone relies on similar algorithms, we may face “one-track thinking,” market volatility spikes, and a decline in the diversity of investment strategies.


Beyond performance concerns, the rise of AI-managed markets begs deeper ethical questions. Will these systems be prone to sudden “flash crashes,” similar to the event in 2010? Will large institutions gain an outsized advantage, further widening wealth gaps? And what happens to the human element—the emotions, intuitions, and unique insights—that have always guided financial decisions? As AI-based platforms like IndexGPT inch closer to reality, the debate over how much of the market should be handed over to machines grows ever more urgent.


For entrepreneurs, the advance of AI in finance signals both immense opportunities and new responsibilities. On one hand, harnessing AI-driven tools can greatly optimize business decisions—providing real-time data analysis and streamlined financial operations. On the other, building ethical frameworks is critical, ensuring that AI doesn’t exacerbate existing inequalities or create unforeseen risks. Startups and innovators who prioritize responsible AI implementation—from transparent data governance to robust contingency planning—will be better positioned to earn stakeholder trust and thrive in an increasingly automated market.


Source: Manzanera, J., Abarca, A., & Iñigo, G. (2025, January 23). IndexGPT: Are we approaching a machine-controlled market? Culture Digital. https://es.wired.com/articulos/indexgpt-nos-aproximamos-a-un-mercado-controlado-por-maquinas


$500B ‘Stargate’ Shockwave: Trump, Altman, and Son Unite to Reshape AI Infrastructure!

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The White House press conference revealed a groundbreaking plan dubbed The Stargate Project, backed by a coalition that includes Softbank’s Masayoshi Son, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and former president Donald Trump. Their companies pledge a colossal $500 billion to build a network of advanced AI data centers in the United States over the next four years. The initial construction will begin in Texas, with major tech players like Arm, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Oracle, and MGX participating in the project. According to OpenAI, the goal is to establish a robust infrastructure capable of handling the future demands of artificial intelligence development and deployment.


In tandem, Microsoft announced updates to its longstanding partnership with OpenAI, including maintaining crucial elements of exclusivity and revenue-sharing arrangements. However, it slightly revised the terms so Microsoft holds the right of first refusal for any new capacity OpenAI might build. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has derided the deal as a “sham,” and officials like Satya Nadella have insisted Microsoft’s commitments remain solid through 2030. Despite the controversies and political overtones, The Stargate Project appears positioned to radically transform how AI is powered and scaled across North America.


Entrepreneurs should note that this massive investment signals more than just a shift in computing power; it symbolizes an evolving AI ecosystem where cross-industry partnerships are the norm. Startups and established enterprises alike must prepare for a future in which AI infrastructure is cheaper, more accessible, and better supported by big tech. By keeping an eye on strategic alliances and considering how AI can be integrated into their products and services early on, founders can position themselves at the forefront of innovation—particularly as larger networks like The Stargate Project accelerate the development and commercialization of emerging technologies.


Source: Lawler, R. (2025, January 21). OpenAI and Softbank are starting a $500 billion AI data center company. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/21/24348816/openai-softbank-ai-data-center-stargate-project


Shocking Fake Review Crackdown: Google Targets Deceptive UK Businesses

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Google has announced new measures to punish UK businesses that inflate their ratings through fake reviews. Under pressure from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the tech giant will now restrict review capabilities and display warning alerts on business profiles found to be engaging in misleading practices. These changes also include deleting historical fake reviews and banning individuals who repeatedly post or commission them, regardless of their country of residence. While the overhaul echoes Google’s previous global efforts, the current commitment specifically aims to bolster the integrity of UK-based reviews.


Regulators have long voiced concerns about the impact of fraudulent ratings on consumer trust and market competition. By agreeing to report to the CMA over the next three years, Google is reinforcing its commitment to legitimate feedback. Meanwhile, the CMA’s investigation into Amazon’s alleged failure to curb fake reviews remains ongoing. The overarching goal is to create an environment where businesses can thrive based on genuine customer experiences rather than deceptive ratings.


As a DaCoder and entrepreneur, this move underscores the importance of building genuine customer trust. Instead of resorting to artificial methods, focus on cultivating authentic user engagement—respond quickly to feedback, incentivize honest reviews from satisfied clients, and foster transparency in your processes. By doing so, you not only stay on the right side of compliance but also strengthen your brand’s credibility in a marketplace increasingly driven by consumer confidence.


Source: Weatherbed, J. (2025, January 24). Google agrees to crack down on fake reviews for UK businesses. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/24/24350932/google-cma-cracks-down-fake-reviews-uk-businesses

 

Shocking Revelation: OpenAI’s “Operator AI” Takes Control of Your Web Experience

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OpenAI has unveiled a groundbreaking AI agent named Operator, described as a “research preview” that can autonomously browse and interact with websites on your behalf. Harnessing a “Computer-Using Agent” model that merges GPT-4o’s image recognition with cutting-edge reinforcement learning, Operator navigates interfaces through typing, clicking, and scrolling—all without requiring custom API integrations. Initially available in the US for ChatGPT Pro subscribers, it promises to perform tasks ranging from ordering food to browsing for tickets, albeit with occasional limitations like handling complex interfaces for creating slideshows or calendars.


According to OpenAI, Operator will request user intervention when confronted with sensitive steps such as logging in or sending emails, emphasizing built-in safeguards to avoid harmful or disallowed content. In collaboration with companies like DoorDash, Instacart, OpenTable, and Uber, OpenAI aims to refine Operator’s abilities while respecting user privacy and industry standards. Future plans include broadening access to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise users, eventually integrating these powerful capabilities into ChatGPT itself.


For DaCoders and innovators alike, Operator’s unveiling signals an escalating trend toward AI-driven automation capable of navigating the web. Forward-thinking leaders should explore how similar browser-based agents could streamline workflows, reduce human error, and cut operational costs. By integrating advanced AI tools into product development or customer service, businesses can seize a competitive edge—transforming friction-heavy processes into seamless digital experiences.


Source: Peters, J. (2025, January 23). OpenAI’s new Operator AI agent can do things on the web for you. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/23/24350395/openai-chatgpt-operator-agent-control-computer