Artificial intelligence drives energy demand and adoption shifts in Brazil

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is driving significant shifts in the Brazilian economy and global infrastructure. A study by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Strand Partners reveals that 50% of Brazilian companies have now adopted AI, with startups leading the way; 68% of startups use the technology, compared to a national average of 50%. However, most adoption remains at a basic level, such as using chatbots, while only 15% of companies have reached advanced stages like agentic AI.

This technological surge is placing immense pressure on physical resources. The expansion of generative AI is increasing demand for semiconductors, with memory chip prices seeing massive spikes. Furthermore, the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that the energy requirements for data centers are skyrocketing. The additional electricity needed for AI could reach levels equivalent to 70% of Brazil’s total 2025 consumption. This is forcing a shift in data center design, moving from air cooling to liquid cooling to manage higher power densities.

In the corporate sector, companies like B3 are already integrating AI into software development, reporting a 35% reduction in delivery times. Meanwhile, discussions regarding regulation and workforce impact are intensifying. Experts and political candidates are advocating for frameworks that ensure AI complements human labor rather than replacing it, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and digital sovereignty to protect national data.