A study led by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, or KAIST, has measured the electricity use of AI agents. It is one of the first studies to do this with clear numbers. The researchers found that AI agents can use up to 136.5 times more energy per query than chatbots. In tests on a large language model with 70 billion parameters, one complex agent query used an average of 348.41 watt-hours of electricity. Another system, called LATS, used 62.1 times more GPU energy than a standard chatbot. The study also found that AI agents can take up to 153.7 times longer to answer. According to the researchers, GPUs often spend more than half their time waiting for other tools or websites. They say AI agents could create serious pressure on electricity networks if their use grows widely.
Study warns of high energy use by AI agents
A KAIST study says AI agents use much more electricity than chatbots. It also says wider use of these systems could increase pressure on data centres and power grids.
More stories to read
business2 min read10/27/2026New Westinghouse factory aims to increase nuclear fuel production
A $1 billion factory in South Carolina will produce higher-energy fuel, helping existing nuclear reactors operate longer and generate more electricity.
environment2 min read10/27/2026Colorado animal crossing cuts wildlife crashes by 91%
A wildlife bridge, five tunnels and guiding fences near Larkspur have reduced crashes involving animals by more than officials expected.
business2 min read10/26/2026Women and technology shape India's farming showcase
India used SIAL Paris to present more sustainable farming methods and the role of women, while looking towards wider food trade with Europe.
environment2 min read10/26/2026Countries urged to coordinate flights and cut delays
ICAO is supporting closer international cooperation to reduce the time planes spend waiting to land. Trials in the Americas have already produced savings.
environment2 min read10/25/2026Cameras reveal an unusual food habit in Iberian lynxes
Researchers in Spain have recorded female Iberian lynxes repeatedly dipping dead rabbits into water. The behaviour may help them get more water or soften food for their young, but its purpose remains uncertain.