Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives

The paper explores the pressing issue of energy consumption in machine learning (ML) models and their environmental footprint. As ML technologies, especially large-scale models, continue to surge in popularity, their escalating energy demands and corresponding CO<sub>2</sub> emissions ar...

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Main Authors: Rafał Różycki, Dorota Agnieszka Solarska, Grzegorz Waligóra
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2810
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author Rafał Różycki
Dorota Agnieszka Solarska
Grzegorz Waligóra
author_facet Rafał Różycki
Dorota Agnieszka Solarska
Grzegorz Waligóra
author_sort Rafał Różycki
collection DOAJ
description The paper explores the pressing issue of energy consumption in machine learning (ML) models and their environmental footprint. As ML technologies, especially large-scale models, continue to surge in popularity, their escalating energy demands and corresponding CO<sub>2</sub> emissions are drawing critical attention. The article dives into innovative strategies to curb energy use in ML applications without compromising—and often even enhancing—model performance. Key techniques, such as model compression, pruning, quantization, and cutting-edge hardware design, take center stage in the discussion. Beyond operational energy use, the paper spotlights a pivotal yet often overlooked factor: the substantial emissions tied to the production of ML hardware. In many cases, these emissions eclipse those from operational activities, underscoring the immense potential of optimizing manufacturing processes to drive meaningful environmental impact. The narrative reinforces the urgency of relentless advancements in energy efficiency across the IT sector, with machine learning and data science leading the charge. Furthermore, deploying ML to streamline energy use in other domains like industry and transportation amplifies these benefits, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental outcomes. The paper culminates in a compelling call to action: adopt a dual-pronged strategy that tackles both operational energy efficiency and the carbon intensity of hardware production. By embracing this holistic approach, the artificial intelligence (AI) sector can play a transformative role in global sustainability efforts, slashing its carbon footprint and driving momentum toward a greener future.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1996-1073
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publishDate 2025-05-01
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series Energies
spelling doaj-art-e0e8e66d94544a55bea15c383725c4652025-08-20T03:46:50ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-05-011811281010.3390/en18112810Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and PerspectivesRafał Różycki0Dorota Agnieszka Solarska1Grzegorz Waligóra2Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, PolandInstitute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, PolandInstitute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, PolandThe paper explores the pressing issue of energy consumption in machine learning (ML) models and their environmental footprint. As ML technologies, especially large-scale models, continue to surge in popularity, their escalating energy demands and corresponding CO<sub>2</sub> emissions are drawing critical attention. The article dives into innovative strategies to curb energy use in ML applications without compromising—and often even enhancing—model performance. Key techniques, such as model compression, pruning, quantization, and cutting-edge hardware design, take center stage in the discussion. Beyond operational energy use, the paper spotlights a pivotal yet often overlooked factor: the substantial emissions tied to the production of ML hardware. In many cases, these emissions eclipse those from operational activities, underscoring the immense potential of optimizing manufacturing processes to drive meaningful environmental impact. The narrative reinforces the urgency of relentless advancements in energy efficiency across the IT sector, with machine learning and data science leading the charge. Furthermore, deploying ML to streamline energy use in other domains like industry and transportation amplifies these benefits, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental outcomes. The paper culminates in a compelling call to action: adopt a dual-pronged strategy that tackles both operational energy efficiency and the carbon intensity of hardware production. By embracing this holistic approach, the artificial intelligence (AI) sector can play a transformative role in global sustainability efforts, slashing its carbon footprint and driving momentum toward a greener future.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2810artificial intelligencemachine learninggreen AIenergy efficiencyenvironmental impact
spellingShingle Rafał Różycki
Dorota Agnieszka Solarska
Grzegorz Waligóra
Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives
Energies
artificial intelligence
machine learning
green AI
energy efficiency
environmental impact
title Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives
title_full Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives
title_fullStr Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives
title_full_unstemmed Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives
title_short Energy-Aware Machine Learning Models—A Review of Recent Techniques and Perspectives
title_sort energy aware machine learning models a review of recent techniques and perspectives
topic artificial intelligence
machine learning
green AI
energy efficiency
environmental impact
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/11/2810
work_keys_str_mv AT rafałrozycki energyawaremachinelearningmodelsareviewofrecenttechniquesandperspectives
AT dorotaagnieszkasolarska energyawaremachinelearningmodelsareviewofrecenttechniquesandperspectives
AT grzegorzwaligora energyawaremachinelearningmodelsareviewofrecenttechniquesandperspectives