As the demand for artificial intelligence continues to surge, a significant energy challenge looms: training advanced AI models can consume more electricity than what 120 U.S. homes use in a year. This escalating demand has raised concerns that energy requirements for data centers could double by 2030. The current power grid, largely designed for the last century, struggles to meet the needs of this new technological revolution. Lado Okhotnikov, founder of the holistic biotech platform Holiverse, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “The problem is becoming especially urgent now, as AI is advancing rapidly and its energy demands are growing just as fast.”
Okhotnikov highlights a systemic challenge that transcends computer science. He insists that we must consider sustainable energy sources to power AI without compromising lives or existing industries. The prevalent solution, renewable energy, is gaining traction globally. Okhotnikov acknowledges this shift: “Renewable energy collected on Earth is no longer a fantasy: many countries are actively transitioning to it, and I hope this shift will only accelerate.”
Renewables: A Bridge, Not a Destination
While sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy play critical roles, they come with limitations including geography and weather conditions. As such, they may not provide a long-term solution for a civilization reliant on a continually evolving AI ecosystem. Okhotnikov poses a pivotal question: what comes next?
For many experts, the answer lies beyond our planet. “Very soon, we will have to look to space—because the future, without question, belongs there,” Okhotnikov asserts. This perspective aligns with the concept of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). Visualize large solar arrays positioned in geostationary orbit, receiving uninterrupted sunlight 24 hours a day. These systems could convert solar energy and transmit it wirelessly to Earth using low-intensity microwaves or lasers, potentially delivering carbon-free power to any global location.
This vision is not merely theoretical. Organizations such as the European Space Agency and NASA are actively conducting feasibility studies on SBSP. A 2025 analysis suggested that such systems could serve as a stable backbone for energy grids, complementing the intermittent nature of current renewable sources. Okhotnikov points out, “The solar power we can collect here on Earth is only a tiny fraction of what is available in space. In my view, this is where an enormous potential lies for new developments—and this is exactly what we are working on at Holiverse.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Holiverse is exploring designs and collaborations that would align future AI infrastructure with energy generated in space. While the journey to establishing solar power in space is fraught with challenges, including international governance and the costs of launch and construction, Okhotnikov remains optimistic. “We are developing technologies capable of powering the next era of AI,” he states, highlighting the collaboration of some of the brightest minds in the field.
The implications of these advancements could be profound. By freeing AI from the constraints of terrestrial energy limitations, research could expand significantly. A sustainable energy network powered by space-based solar could support extensive computational tasks needed for breakthroughs in material science, personalized medicine, and climate predictions.
As pioneers work to redefine the future of intelligence, Okhotnikov and his team at Holiverse recognize that true progress hinges on looking beyond Earth. Harnessing the sun’s limitless power from space may unlock the next significant advancement in artificial intelligence, ultimately reshaping our technological landscape.
