The growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of energy consumption within data centers, as evidenced in discussions at Leti Innovation Days (LID) 2025 in Grenoble, France. With AI pushing the limits of computational power, industry leaders are rallying to address the staggering energy challenges posed by expansive data centers, some of which are projected to reach consumption levels of up to 500 megawatts. This has raised pressing sustainability concerns, particularly in regions like Ireland, where data centers currently consume 40% of the country’s electricity, according to Jean-René Léquepeys, chief technology officer of CEA-Leti.
Demand for Sustainable Solutions
This year’s LID attracted over 1,000 participants and featured more than 130 expert talks focusing on the urgent need for sustainable electronics. In his keynote address, Sébastien Dauvillé, CEO of CEA-Leti, highlighted the critical importance of addressing energy inefficiencies in the semiconductor sector. “AI is not optional; it’s a strategic imperative. But we must not allow it to become a runaway train,” he emphasized, stressing the need for responsible energy use without stifling technological advancements.
As energy consumption continues to surge, industry players are stepping up to meet the urgent challenge. Attendees at the event showcased innovative solutions ranging from advanced packaging techniques to photonic interconnects, all aimed at optimizing power efficiency in high-performance computing environments. Thibault Basquin from Ardian Semiconductor noted the increasing commitment from the investment community toward developing next-generation power-saving technologies. “Public-private investment is critical at this inflection point,” he stated, underscoring the collaborative effort required to drive change.
Ambitious Initiatives for Energy Efficiency
One of the flagship initiatives unveiled at the conference, named Resolve, targets a groundbreaking 1,000-fold improvement in energy efficiency by 2032. Léquepeys shared that this ambitious goal is underpinned by a consortium of partners, including notable research institutions like Fraunhofer and Silicon Austria, positioning Europe as a leader in the global sustainability race. “We’re pursuing 15 technology tracks across three layers of the compute stack, from frugal data use to hardware-level power optimizations,” he outlined, illustrating the comprehensive approach needed to tackle the energy crisis.
In addition, CEA-Leti is collaborating with industry giants like Schneider Electric, alongside emerging startups such as Ferroelectric Memory Company and Soitec, to bring early-stage innovations to commercial viability. These partnerships are pivotal for advancing technologies such as wide-band-gap power devices—semiconductors that utilize materials like gallium nitride or silicon carbide, which operate more efficiently under high-voltage and temperature conditions—as well as photonic links that promise to enhance data transmission efficiency in AI applications.
Pragmatic Innovations for Immediate Impact
While the allure of quantum and neuromorphic computing remains, many discussions at LID 2025 gravitated towards immediate, pragmatic advancements that can be implemented effectively. “We must balance the pursuit of revolutionary technologies with actionable steps that reduce power and increase performance today,” asserted Deirdre Hanford, CEO of Natcast, during her insightful plenary presentation.
One such actionable step highlighted at the event was the use of 3D sequential integration, a methodology that stacks transistors and interconnects to significantly enhance energy efficiency. Léquepeys stated, “We’ve managed to achieve 3D integration at 450°C, compared to traditional processes at 1,000°C. This significantly cuts manufacturing energy costs while maintaining transistor performance.” This type of innovative integration is essential for reducing energy consumption during manufacture and operation.
Environmental Sustainability in Semiconductor Manufacturing
In the broader context, CEA-Leti’s Genesis project exemplifies a pivot towards environmentally responsible practices in semiconductor manufacturing. This European initiative is dedicated to developing PFAS-free, low-emission manufacturing methodologies. Léquepeys remarked, “We must be frugal not only with data and power, but also with water and materials.” Currently, only 15% of electronic waste is recycled, a statistic that highlights the need for more sustainable practices in the industry. Genesis aims to alter traditional manufacturing processes to ensure chips are made cleaner, safer, and more recyclable. “We’re transforming how chips are made—cleaner, safer, and more recyclable,” he added.
As AI plays a dual role as both a challenge and a potential solution to energy concerns, CEA-Leti is integrating AI tools to enhance fab operations and reduce time-to-market for new technologies. Léquepeys pointed out, “Today, too many engineering decisions rely solely on human intuition. By embedding AI into process flows, we can avoid costly trial-and-error and accelerate production timelines.” This strategy showcases a commitment to utilizing AI not only for computation but also for optimizing manufacturing efficiency.
The Future of Energy-Efficient Computing
The future of sustainable computing lies in leveraging existing technologies intelligently rather than solely waiting for the next big breakthrough. Léquepeys encapsulated the spirit of the event, emphasizing, “Energy efficiency has always been part of Leti’s DNA. Now, it must become part of the entire industry’s strategy.” As organizations globally grapple with the increasing energy demands of AI and high-performance computing, initiatives like those presented at LID 2025 offer a roadmap to a more sustainable future, advocating for a collective approach rooted in innovation and responsibility.
With these ongoing efforts, the semiconductor industry is not just addressing an urgent crisis but is potentially setting a precedent for how technology can evolve in a responsible, environmentally conscious manner, paving the way for a sustainable digital future.