Does DeepSeek show a way to slash the energy demands of AI?

Since the boom in artificial intelligence got under way, US tech bosses have demanded a vast expansion of data centres and energy infrastructure to support further progress and widespread uptake of the technology. Now, the shock wave triggered by Chinese company DeepSeek is challenging that view. Some in the industry think DeepSeek’s algorithmic advances could lead to sweeping changes in the way AI models are developed and used, as well as significant energy savings and a lower climate burden. Are they right?

DeepSeek’s R1 model was a shock to US…