Stage 7 is hosting a discussion called “AI’s insatiable appetite for energy”. I take a seat at the media desk and regret wearing a “standing-up” jumpsuit. It’s a relief to get off my feet for a while nonetheless.

These critics of AI are broadly correct but their presence here does nothing to counterbalance Web Summit’s role in advertising the tech and connecting AI startups with investors.

These talks are a front. They’re for the attendees first and foremost; not for the people networking and doing deals at Night Summit events.

The next talk starts with a counterpoint, anyway. Apparently AI will let us optimize everything and use less energy. Who knew?

In all seriousness, I suspect that’s not where the profit motive is. Energy is cheap.

I get distracted by negotiating Christmas plans, and a friend asking me to give editorial notes on some smut she’s written.

A talk on “artificial photosynthesis”. Is this carbon capture or solar panels?

Solar panels, it turns out. Or “solar cells”. The product demos do look cool.

The problem here isn’t a lack of tech though. However real or effective this tech is, it won’t do anything without widespread adoption, and there’s no incentive structure for that.

Amy Grace from Lissbon Tags: Websummit