Australian business AI adoption reveals a digital divide as two-thirds still use spreadsheets and some criticize AI as energy-intensive.

A "digital divide" between Australian businesses using AI and those lagging behind has been identified in a recent Schneider Electric survey. Two-thirds of 500 respondents still rely on spreadsheets for their data, while AI can potentially save time, money, and reduce energy consumption. However, critics argue that AI is energy-intensive and needs large data centers that put strain on networks. Over a third of surveyed Australian businesses use AI for managing decarbonisation, but fewer view renewable energy as an economic advantage due to delays in transmission and commissioning.

August 04, 2024
9 Articles