The Gigantic Shark Devourer of Energy and Aqua…

“The surge of AI-driven data centres is creating a whirlwind of energy demands that are reaching astonishing heights. By 2028, these centres are expected to consume a staggering 325 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, more than what an entire nation like Spain, home to around 47 million people, uses in a year. To generate this colossal amount of power, an immense volume of water is needed, primarily for cooling in thermal power plants. On average, it takes about 2.5 gallons of water to produce just one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. When you crunch the numbers for 325 TWh, which translates to a jaw-dropping 325 billion kWh, the water requirement skyrockets to approximately 812.5 billion gallons—enough to quench the thirst of around 9 billion people for a single day! Wow, just wow, amazing.

  in this editions AI will consume as much energy in the United States as all of SpainThe electricity required by data centers will triple in three years, a forecast that could fall short after Trump's announcement of $500 billion in investments to develop artificial intelligence…

  Manuel G. Pascual's article, published in El País on January 23, 2025, has been translated and edited by Germán & Co.

Glory, glory, hallelujah! Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Seas In The Reality Of This Mad World…

A Deep Dive into Five Years of Confusing Contradictions…

It’s been a whirlwind of five years and a week since that crucial Friday, November 17, 2019, when the journal PLOS Pathogens from the University of Kent dropped a bombshell revelation: the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably had its roots in an artificial setting in Wuhan, China. This tiny yet formidable virus, made up of proteins and nucleic acids, has a simple structure but can replicate itself exclusively within specific living cells, hijacking their metabolic machinery. Thus began our complex and challenging relationship with the Coronavirus, filled with fear and mistrust. 

This unwelcome citizen of faraway Wuhan took us to a galaxy unknown to humans. One of the most heart-wrenching transformations humanity has faced due to the Coronavirus is the shift in our emotional connections. This minuscule foe has stirred within us a deep-seated paranoia, cruelly reminding us that our once cherished moments of togetherness—those warm handshakes and comforting hugs that nourish the very essence of our souls—have been overshadowed by a digital world overflowing with faceless interactions. In this era of advanced technology, where countless digital interactions happen in the blink of an eye, we find ourselves grappling with a peculiar reality. This round, almost golden face, known as an emoji—sometimes glowing with love, other times beaming with joy, and occasionally shadowed by sadness or anger—serves as a reminder of our disconnection. The lack of authentic human touch has quietly emerged as a silent adversary, lurking in the background of our hyper-connected lives.  What a harsh reality we find ourselves in. How many cherished souls have transformed into mere echoes, no longer present in our lives? This perverse misfortune all traces back to an alleged misstep in a far-off laboratory nestled in historic and now famous city of Wuhan, unfortunately,😒. 

But the tragedy does not end here. Not only has the human sensory system been affected by these new living conditions, but also the industry in all its processes. A consequence of the forced confinement of human beings, which prevented them from going to their workplaces normally, is the suffering caused by the non-existence of raw materials and components to keep the production chain in operation to supply the basic needs that man requires for his subsistence.

The lack of supply of essential goods… together with the excessive costs of international sea freight transport, triggers the poison known as inflation.  Global Cumulative Inflation from January 2020 to December 2021 went from 1.9% to no less than 3.5%, practically doubling in one calendar year, and by the end of the period the prediction is close to 7%, according to World Bank indicators. In other words, in a short period of time, three years, accumulative inflation has tripled. There is no national economy or household budget capable of withstanding this financial storm.

In addition to this undesirable economic context, to begin with caused by the SARC-COv-2 virus, this financial setback has been compounded since February, 2022 by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has had a negative impact on the fossil fuel market, specifically on the stable and safe purchase price of natural gas from the Tsarist domain. This phenomenon can be attributed to Russia’s aggressive military strategy within the economic framework of the ongoing conflict. The systematic reduction of natural gas supplies to its European customers has emerged as a novel tactic of warfare, encapsulated in the notion that natural gas represents a contemporary iteration of the “Russian winter” as a tool of conflict.

It is important to clarify that the electricity sector should not be held accountable for the global inflationary trends observed over the past five years, as such accusations stem from a lack of understanding. The primary factors contributing to the rise in global prices include the actions of the citizens of Wuhan, the reduction of natural gas supplies from Russia to Europe, and, ultimately, the inadequate planning regarding essential fuels by political authorities.

Today, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, took the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos to address the pressing issues of our time. “We face two new and profound threats that demand far more global attention and action because they threaten to upend life as we know it: the climate crisis and the ungoverned expansion of artificial intelligence. First, climate chaos. I recently saw an analysis that exposed a grim irony: Thirteen of the world’s biggest ports for oil supertankers will be overwhelmed by rising sea levels. Rising seas, which are caused by rising temperatures. And rising temperatures, which are – overwhelmingly – caused by burning fossil fuels. Our fossil fuel addiction is a Frankenstein monster, sparing nothing and no-one. All around us, we see clear signs that the monster has become master. We just endured the hottest year and the hottest decade in history. 2024 is likely to be the first calendar year that pushed past 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. Breaching this limit does not mean the long-term goal of keeping the rise in global temperature to 1.5ºC is shot. It means we need to fight even harder to get on track. Especially when what we are seeing today – sea level rise, heatwaves, floods, storms, droughts and wildfires – are just a preview of the horror movie to come. A world where every economy feels the pain… Of supply chains severed… Of infrastructure destroyed… Of higher prices and higher insurance premiums – or no insurance at all. At the same time, another far more hopeful story is unfolding. Cheap, plentiful energy provided by renewables is an extraordinary economic opportunity. One that will benefit people in every country. And one that will make the end of the fossil fuel age inevitable — no matter how hard vested interests try to stop it. A number of financial institutions and industries are backtracking on climate commitments. Here at Davos, I want to say loudly and clearly: It is short-sighted. And paradoxically, it is selfish and also self-defeating. You are on the wrong side of history. You are on the wrong side of science. And you are on the wrong side of consumers who are looking for more sustainability, not less. This warning certainly also applies to the fossil fuel industrinry and advertising, lobbying and PR companies who are aiding, abetting and greenwashing. Global heating is racing forward — we cannot afford to move backward. Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Those plans must align with limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5ºC – including by accelerating the global energy transition. We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and seize the benefits of the renewables revolution. We need to tackle high-capital costs that are leaving developing countries behind. I also urge all businesses and financial institutions to create robust, accountable transition plans this year. These, too, must align with 1.5ºC, and with the full recommendations of the United Nations High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero. To the corporate leaders who remain committed to climate action — your leadership is needed now, more than ever. Do not back down. Stay on the right side of history. Now is the time to shift our collective efforts into overdrive, and make 2025 the biggest year yet for climate action. The second area of existential concern is ungoverned artificial intelligence. Yes, AI holds untold promise for humanity. Revolutionizing learning. Advancing healthcare and diagnosing illnesses earlier. Supporting farmers with smarter tools to boost productivity. Clearing landmines. And better targeting aid in times of crisis. These are real results – happening right now. But with this promise comes profound risk, especially if AI is left ungoverned. AI can be used as a tool of deception. It can disrupt economies and labour markets, undermine trust in institutions and have chilling effects on the battlefield. And AI could deepen inequalities by excluding those without the resources or tools to benefit from its promise. Once again, collaboration is critical.

The Owner of Non-Man and Other Tales… Second edition, revised and expanded…

Help us make a dream come true…

From a young age we listen to the instructions of the elderly in the sense that we must be able to choose our path in life. It’s a nice metaphor.

There are those who, complying with this, prepare themselves to travel the highways of life, provide themselves with fast engines and soft seats.   Others, simpler, choose secondary roads where the speed does not produce so much vertigo and the tolls are cheaper. Many have to join forces and travel the kilometers in collective buses that force the touches and strident music. And there are too many who have no other option than to walk along the humble paths crossing puddles or boulders and threatened by wild beasts or insects. This is the vineyard of the Lord, and everyone can make use of their free will. Say.

Reading the stories of Germán Toro Ghio one discovers that there are also those who chose all paths. And they also added the alternatives of lifts, elevators (and descenders), cliffs, flying devices and perhaps how many more.

With its eight stories, The Owners of No Man’s Land takes us to a world so real that, unfortunately, we tend to forget it.  From the first story, he (Germán) rides the maelstrom of a roller coaster in which he mixes the discomforts of a Moscow hotel with the adventures in the Nicaraguan jungle.  He is a de facto witness to the invasion of the USA army in Panama and his cousin of millenary stubbornness at the same time, without us being able to deduce which of the two experiences was more dangerous.  He celebrates supposed birthdays in the company of an aphonic Fidel Castro (what a contradiction!) in a city of Havana corroded by sea salt or political blunders.  He walks through one of the most unusual borders in the world, the one that divides the island of Hispaniola.   He witnesses the sun sheltering us with unusual loves, in this case, his friend “Pepe” who, on a streak of good fortune, attracts them to a stale gypsy princess and a one-eyed gypsy king in the nights of Madrid and prologues his luck in the world of love to an island called Grinda in the Stockholm archipelago where Alexander’s honey captivates.

Germán also takes us to a café in Paris where Ernest Hemingway is in existential conversations about life, accompanied by the sweet notes of a Santa Teresa rum, which invades the soul with harmony and helps the journalist and writer try to persuade some young gang members to change the course of their lives, in this world of violence, organ trafficking, and arms.  He evokes the spirit of the Nicaraguan poet and priest Ernesto Cardenal, particularly in his mesmerising “Ode to Marilyn Monroe”.  This remarkable work invites him to explore the labyrinth of the mind’s afflictions, guided by the brushstrokes of legendary artists such as Sorolla, Munch, Botero, and Modigliani.  Alongside this artistic journey, we encounter the candid whispers of Truman Capote in his poignant “Unanswered Prayers”, which lays bare the frailties of our contemporary society, political systems, and monarchies.  Ultimately, Germán leads us to a heartwarming conclusion with the charming figure of “il Nono”, a grandfatherly character we all wish we could have known.

The book is magnified by experiences that have taken place outside the battlefields, far from palaces and ambitions.  In other words, the principle of freedom of expression is paramount, even when individuals may endure defamation’s repercussions.  With these stories, Germán Toro Ghio allows us to taste something of everything he keeps in his cupboard, and I hope he will continue to cook and deliver in successive books.

*Juan Forch, Puerto Octay, Chile

  *Film director, writer, and political scientist is renowned for the 1990 "NO" campaign. / https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/movies/oscar-nominated-no-stirring-debate-in-chile.html

PayPal at gjmtoroghio@germantoroghio.com

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O gods, women, and men with the souls of gods and goodwill, we request your solidarity and support for launching the second revised and extended edition of “The Owner of Non-Man Lan and Other Tales” in November 2025. We have already contacted a senior editor at Penguin Random House in London to help us create a remarkable and distinctive book handcrafted to serve as an exceptional corporate gift.

Thanks in advance…

Gratitude is a vital aspect of our existence…

In a world that’s constantly growing and grappling with inflation, the art of blogging faces its fair share of hurdles.  To keep our content top-notch during these challenging times, we’ve poured resources into top-tier software, licenses, and stunning copyrighted images, among other essentials.  But fear not, we’re not navigating this journey alone! Just last week on “X,” actions like “liking” or “retweeting” have become your secret weapons—free and private, thanks to “Musk” your support through these simple yet impactful gestures is not just a token of appreciation but a significant contribution that shapes our journey!

If you’re feeling motivated to make a difference, consider extending your generosity through PayPal at gjmtoroghio@germantoroghio.com, or by using our IBAN account: SE18 3000 0000 0058 0511 2611.  Alternatively, you can support our blog with a secure contribution via Stripe using the donation link.  Every little bit helps!

Thank you for being a part of our journey!  Your generous support is truly invaluable to us!  It plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals and make a positive impact.  Thank you for being such an important part of our journey!

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Not Angela, not…

AI will consume as much energy in the United States as all of Spain

The electricity required by data centers will triple in three years, a forecast that could fall short after Trump’s announcement of $500 billion in investments to develop artificial intelligence…

  Manuel G. Pascual's article, published in El País on January 23, 2025, has been translated and edited by Germán & Co.

The unquenchable energy thirst of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to strain global infrastructures. The U.S. Department of Energy published a report in December with forecasts that fall short of previous estimates: the consumption of data centers, the facilities full of processors in which models are trained, data is hosted, and the calculations made possible by AI tools are executed.  it has tripled over the last decade and will triple again until 2028. According to their projections, the amount of electricity they will need will be at least 325 terawatt hours (TWh), that is, more than what entire countries such as Spain (246 TWh), the United Kingdom (287 TWh) or Italy (298 TWh) consume in a year.

Assuming that an average of 50% of the capacity of these data centers is used, the Department of Energy report, prepared for the government by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), specifies that the US will need an installed capacity of between 74 and 132 GW to power these key infrastructures for digitalization and AI in 2028.  more than that generated by an entire country such as Spain (125.6 GW by 2023). Thus, the US will devote between 6.7% and 12% of all electricity consumed to this growing industry.

These forecasts could fall short after the announcement this week by US President Donald Trump of investments worth 500,000 million dollars (about 480,000 million euros) over four years to promote AI. That money, which Trump described as “the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project, by far, in history,” will be spent primarily building data centers and power plants to power them. The capital of the project, dubbed Stargate, will come from SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund MGX. Trump said he will use emergency declarations and executive orders to ensure that their construction and uninterrupted access to the power they require. One of the 41 executive orders signed by the Republican on his first day of his new term will involve the revision of all federal regulations that impose an “undue burden” on the development or use of various energy sources, in particular coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, the latter being one of the solutions considered by Big Tech to ensure a continuous energy supply in their energy centers. data.

“The Department of Energy’s projection is very striking: data centers, driven primarily by AI, can reach 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption by 2028, while the most common forecasts pointed to 10% by 2030,” says Shaolei Ren, associate professor of electrical and computational engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.  Riverside and AI Sustainability Specialist. “This means that, if specialized AI data centers continue to be built without substantial improvements in their energy efficiency, the overload of the electricity grid will arrive much sooner than expected,” adds the academic.

“The results presented in this report show that the electricity consumption of data centers in the United States is growing at a rapid rate,” warns the Department of Energy document. “The compound annual growth rate was 7% between 2014 and 2018, 18% between 2018 and 2023, and will be between 13% and 27% between 2023 and 2028.”

Another interesting aspect of the Department of Energy’s report, according to Ren, has to do with its estimates of data center water consumption, a resource that some facilities use to cool processors. According to the document, in 2023 U.S. data centers used about 66,000 million liters of water, some of which evaporated. The calculation does not take into account the water used to generate the energy: it only counts the water used in cooling systems. By 2028, the figure could reach 124,000 million liters. “Even using conservative models, the study projects that water consumption in U.S. data centers in 2028 could double or even quadruple the level of 2023, which is an alarming sign,” says the expert.

The Great Energy Eater

The US is not prepared to respond to the growth in demand that will lead to the rise of generative AI, which is behind tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes that the technology his company has done so much to mainstream will cause an energy crisis. “There is no way to get there without drastic changes,” the executive told an attentive audience of businessmen and statesmen during a conference at the 2024 Davos Forum.

These “drastic changes” already have a face and eyes. The sector believes that the solution lies in so-called advanced nuclear energy, the name under which pocket nuclear reactors and nuclear fusion are encompassed. Companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft or Meta have already stated that they welcome this solution to power their data centers. Nuclear energy, as it does not depend on environmental factors (such as the sun, wind or the amount of water in reservoirs), can ensure an uninterrupted supply Some of them, such as Microsoft, have already closed supply agreements for nuclear plants that will return

The outgoing Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, met in March last year with representatives of some of the aforementioned companies to explore imaginative formulas to respond to this large increase in energy demand. One of the options that was put on the table was the development of data centers with small modular reactors (SMRs), according to Axios. It has not transpired that any agreement has been reached, although the first executive orders of Trump and the Stargate alliance invite us to think that it would not be unreasonable for this type of project to get the green light.

The situation in Spain

Spain is emerging as a pole of attraction for data centres. Microsoft, Amazon and Meta are some of the large technology companies that already have or are developing their own projects in the country.

The latest projections on the energy consumption of this industry are not as large as those of the US, but they reflect that we are facing a sector in full growth. The specialized consultancy DNV believes that Spain’s data centers will go from having an electrical load capacity of about 900MW (the estimate of 2024) to about 1,350 in 2030. In other words, 50% more energy will be needed.

The figures are more bulky the further we look. “Currently, the energy demand of data centers and AI represents 13% of the electricity demand of commercial equipment, and this figure will have increased to 44% by 2050,” says the consultancy in its Energy Transition Outlook Spain 2024 report, and warns: “This demand poses a considerable challenge for the Spanish electricity grid,  that will have to guarantee a constant and sustainable supply of energy”.