Energy Solutions Take Center Stage at the Consumer Electronics Show
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has long been a platform for showcasing state-of-the-art gadgets and technologies; however, its historical detachment from energy sectors is becoming less apparent.
A Shifting Landscape
This year’s event in Las Vegas highlighted a notable transformation as the technology industry begins to address its significant energy demands— a trend expected to escalate alongside advancements in artificial intelligence and cloud services.
“Five years ago, I wouldn’t have found value in attending CES,” noted Sebastien Fiedorow, CEO of French startup Aerleum which specializes in producing synthetic fuel using carbon dioxide. ”The context of this year’s show is completely different,” he shared with AFP. Although energy firms still sit somewhat “on the fringes” of CES, “we’re present now,” he emphasized.
Fiedorow expressed optimism about being part of this dialogue: “This serves as an excellent initial platform.”
Statistics That Matter
According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers accounted for about 4.4% of total electricity consumption in the U.S. during 2023. This figure is projected to rise dramatically to approximately 12% by 2028 as demand continues to swell.
Gary Shapiro, CEO of the organization behind CES—the Consumer Technology Association—noted that discussions surrounding energy transition were deliberately designed as a central theme this year.
“This topic has been on our radar for some time,” he affirmed while stressing that innovative solutions are vital if the tech industry hopes to meet future power needs sustainably.
Innovative Approaches from New Players
A standout company at CES was Dutch firm LV Energy which captures electricity through sound waves and vibrations. General Director Satish Jawalapersad acknowledged that their participation marks an important milestone for their brand.
“Our presence here indeed speaks volumes,” he remarked. However, Jawalapersad admitted that their lackluster focus on artificial intelligence could be hindering engagement since AI-related themes dominate discussions at such events.
“We might not be appealing enough… because we don’t lean into those buzzwords,” he stated frankly.
Other businesses within the energy space echoed similar sentiments regarding market penetration challenges. DataGreen—a French venture—focuses on developing compact and eco-friendly data centers powered by renewable sources aimed at reducing operational costs for tech companies.
The Challenge with Big Tech
He stressed how essential their services are given growing constraints around available land needed for expansive facilities: “We can’t expand endlessly; there’s only so much land out there.”
Choukroun remains hopeful suggesting once large corporations realize potential savings through collaboration with DataGreen it may pique greater interest than merely focusing on green initiatives alone.”
The Call for Investment
The relationship between technology providers and energy companies necessitates substantial investments from remarkable players like Amazon or Microsoft s involvement could greatly catalyze progress.
A clear example includes Amazon leading globally as top buyer engaging renewable sources effectively.
Aerleum’s representative finalized emphasizing importance evolving psyche shifting priorities evident based remarks noting “Our fuel production diverges significantly themes showcased typical exhibits; nevertheless representation bears witness confirming emergent dialogues coinciding strengthening emphasis pressing issues directing conversations taking place centered now toward relevance impending innovations efficiency development sought after.”
