Analysis and Technology
The success of Chinese firm DeepSeek suggests tech companies can train and run powerful AIs without consuming vast amounts of power
By Alex Wilkins
29 January 2025
DeepSeek’s chatbot sent shockwaves through the tech industry
ifeelstock/Alamy
Since the boom in artificial intelligence got under way, US tech bosses have demanded a vast expansion of data centres and energy infrastructure to support further progress and widespread uptake of the technology. Now, the shock wave triggered by Chinese company DeepSeek is challenging that view. Some in the industry think DeepSeek’s algorithmic advances could lead to sweeping changes in the way AI models are developed and used, as well as significant energy savings and a lower climate burden. Are they right?
DeepSeek’s R1 model was a shock to US…
