The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken significant steps to boost America's global leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) by announcing a series of initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, enhancing national security, and addressing the climate crisis. These actions are part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda and are aligned with the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI.
According to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, "Artificial intelligence can help crack the code on our toughest challenges from combating the climate crisis to uncovering cures for cancer." Granholm highlighted DOE's commitment to accelerating AI work to ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive while managing the energy demands of AI for a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future.
The DOE has mobilized its scientific and technical workforce, including at the National Laboratories, to carry out the President's Executive Order on AI development and deployment. The department's efforts focus on leveraging AI advancements to address critical challenges such as cancer screening, advanced manufacturing, electricity grid reliability, and response to natural disasters.
Among the key initiatives announced by DOE are the VoltAIc Initiative, aimed at streamlining siting and permitting for clean energy infrastructure using AI, and the establishment of a Working Group on Powering AI and Data Center Infrastructure. Additionally, the department has launched various reports and assessments to evaluate AI's potential in improving energy opportunities, clean energy deployment, and innovation in AI tools and hardware.
DOE's commitment to advancing AI for science is evident in funding opportunities supporting the application of AI in various scientific fields. The department also announced new signatories to the Semiconductor Energy Efficiency Scaling for 2 Decades (EES2) Initiative, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency doubling in semiconductor applications.
Through these initiatives and collaborations with industry partners, researchers, and stakeholders, DOE aims to drive advancements in AI safety, security, and innovation, ultimately strengthening America's global leadership in science and technology. The department's focus on AI and clean energy solutions aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive approach to addressing the climate crisis and delivering a clean and equitable energy future for all Americans.
