Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and innovate, but it is also driving a rapid increase in energy demand, raising urgent questions about sustainability and climate impact.
Drawing on insights from European Patent Office experts and patenting trends across AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and smart grids, this episode highlights how inventors are tackling one of today’s defining challenges. Their innovation will determine whether AI becomes a climate liability or a driver of a more sustainable future.
From more efficient AI models and specialised chips to smart grids, energy storage solutions and cooling systems, discover the technologies that could significantly reduce energy use while enabling AI to continue scaling, unlocking even greater potential.
Host: Jeremy Philpott, EPO communication manager
Guests:
Yann Ménière, EPO Chief Economist
Sandra Zeljkovic, EPO patent examiner in electrical power converters
Nicolas Douarche, EPO patent examiner and team manager in core AI & quantum computing
More information:
• EPO Technology Dashboard 2025 (epo.org/en/about-us/statistics/technology-dashboard-2025)
• EPO's Observatory on Patents and Technology (epo.org/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology)
• Sophie Wilson, European Inventor Award finalist 2013 (epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/sophie-wilson)
• Jaan Leis, Mati Arulepp and Anti Perkson (Skeleton Technologies), European Inventor Award winners 2022 (epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/jaan-leis-mati-arulepp-and-anti-perkson)
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and innovate, but it is also driving a rapid increase in energy demand, raising urgent questions about sustainability and climate impact.
Drawing on insights from European Patent Office experts and patenting trends across AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and smart grids, this episode highlights how inventors are tackling one of today’s defining challenges. Their innovation will determine whether AI becomes a climate liability or a driver of a more sustainable future.
From more efficient AI models and specialised chips to smart grids, energy storage solutions and cooling systems, discover the technologies that could significantly reduce energy use while enabling AI to continue scaling, unlocking even greater potential.
Host: Jeremy Philpott, EPO communication manager
Guests:
Yann Ménière, EPO Chief Economist
Sandra Zeljkovic, EPO patent examiner in electrical power converters
Nicolas Douarche, EPO patent examiner and team manager in core AI & quantum computing
More information:
• EPO Technology Dashboard 2025 (epo.org/en/about-us/statistics/technology-dashboard-2025)
• EPO's Observatory on Patents and Technology (epo.org/en/about-us/observatory-patents-and-technology)
• Sophie Wilson, European Inventor Award finalist 2013 (epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/sophie-wilson)
• Jaan Leis, Mati Arulepp and Anti Perkson (Skeleton Technologies), European Inventor Award winners 2022 (epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/jaan-leis-mati-arulepp-and-anti-perkson)
