China's formidable energy dominance is propelling its rapid advancement in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, a development that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum finds deeply concerning.
During a conversation on the All-In podcast with David Friedberg, Burgum expressed his apprehension about China's strategic combination of opportunity and direction, rooted in its robust baseload electrical power. He cautioned that the West ignores China's energy supremacy at its own peril.
According to Breitbart, Burgum emphasized that China has consistently prioritized economic growth over environmental concerns, a strategy he believes America should emulate. "If you were to ask me whats the thing that keeps me awake at night, this is the issue," Burgum stated. He highlighted the critical role of electricity access in the AI arms race, noting China's significant expansion of coal-powered electricity. "China last year brought on 94 and a half gigawatts of coal-powered electricity," he explained, equating this to the energy needs of 94 cities the size of Denver. This addition surpasses the combined electricity capacity of California and New York, underscoring China's reliance on coal, which still accounts for 60% of its baseload.
Burgum defended coal as a reliable energy source, asserting, "People may stop listening when they hear the word coal, but coal, from an electricity standpointthermal coalis fantastic base load." He argued that coal's consistent amperage and voltage are essential for maintaining a stable electrical grid, unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind. "You simply cant run an electrical grid with just intermittent power," Burgum insisted, pointing out the limitations of solar and wind energy due to their dependence on weather conditions.
Burgum advocates for a return to coal-fired energy in America, urging a departure from President Joe Biden's focus on green energy sources. He warned that an over-reliance on non-traditional power sources could lead to economic instability. "That is already leaving America exposed and 'at risk for those same kind ofwhat Ill call the Biden brownouts and blackouts,'" Burgum remarked.
He criticized the over-subsidization of intermittent energy and the overregulation of baseload power, arguing that these policies, intended to "save the planet," may ultimately jeopardize the nation's energy security.
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