Sam Altman gets defensive about AI’s massive electricity usage: ‘It also takes a lot of energy to train a human’

Fortune

by Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently defended AI's resource consumption during an interview at the India AI Impact summit. When questioned about ChatGPT's water usage, he dismissed claims as "completely untrue," explaining that data centers have shifted away from evaporative cooling systems, which are water-intensive. While acknowledging the energy demands of AI training, Altman compared it to the extensive resources required to raise and educate a human over decades. He argued that the energy efficiency of AI, particularly in answering queries, has already surpassed human efficiency. Altman highlighted OpenAI's efforts to reduce environmental impact, noting that its data center in Texas uses a closed-loop cooling system, significantly cutting water waste. However, he acknowledged broader challenges: global data centers still rely heavily on evaporative cooling, and the demand for complex AI chips will increase manufacturing water usage by 600% over the next few decades. Meanwhile, rising electricity needs could boost water consumption for power generation by 18%, according to a report by Xylem and Global Water Intelligence. Experts warn that AI's cumulative energy and water consumption will grow substantially in coming years. By 2050, data centers are expected to use an additional 30 trillion liters of water annually for cooling and chip manufacturing, while power generation could add another 29.3 trillion liters. These trends underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices in AI development and deployment. For businesses, this matters because energy costs and environmental impact directly affect profitability and reputation. Companies investing in AI must consider not only computational efficiency but also ethical resource management. As AI adoption grows, so does the pressure on businesses to adopt cleaner energy sources like nuclear, wind, or solar, as Altman suggested. The future of AI hinges on its ability to balance innovation with sustainability, making these discussions critical for both tech companies and their stakeholders. Ultimately, while AI offers transformative potential, its environmental footprint demands attention. Businesses must weigh the efficiency gains of AI against its resource requirements, ensuring that advancements in technology do not come at the expense of long-term sustainability. The stakes are high: the future of AI—and business—depends on it.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/24/2026