DePIN could drive a more sustainable GenAI industry

Most of us don’t think twice about posting something on ChatGPT. We’ve gone from expecting results for “Thai food near me” in a matter of seconds to planning a two-week food tour of Thailand just as quickly. The end-user experience doesn’t seem all that different. But from an energy perspective, a lot has changed.

ChatGPT searches reportedly use ten times more energy than a Google search query. As current energy infrastructure approaches its limits, the GenAI industry is concerned about data center overload and a return to non-renewable energy sources. Even Open AI’s Sam Altman has called for clean energy to solve GenAI’s looming compute crisis.

This editorial is part of a new CoinDesk article DePIN Verticalencompassing the growing decentralized physical infrastructure industry.

Decentralized computing networks offer a promising answer to GenAI’s energy question. Using DePIN will encourage technology development, democratize access to powerful resources, and bring more users into the web3. Who says crypto can’t be green?

DePIN Energy Potential

The solution to the GenAI explosion could be your home office. Decentralized networks can harness the power of edge nodes powered by computers and laptops. If the computer meets the minimum hardware requirements, a user can set up a node’s operating dashboard in minutes. The network then uses the unused GPUs to run background computing tasks. Decentralized edge computing can also help balance compute load more effectively. By processing data closer to its source, Edge AI reduces latency and increases efficiency.

DePIN’s computational networks not only provide new sources of power, but also reward energy providers. For example, in Theta, EdgeCloud node operators earn TFUEL or TNT-20 tokens for performing computational tasks. They can then stake these tokens to help manage and secure the blockchain from EdgeCloud clients. This is similar to the NEAR computational cloud for blockchain projects or Flux for dapps. Participants receive tokens to lend their resources to the network.

Decentralized computing networks are a win-win scenario. Node operators can exchange their reward tokens for other assets, and GenAI applications can use their essential energy. With attractive rewards, DePIN also effectively lowers the barriers to entry into web3. And as countless airdrops have shown us, rewards are an easy way to encourage more users to explore and contribute to the ecosystem as a whole.

Sustainable development

Environmentalists will tell you that reusing existing resources is one of the most climate-friendly actions you can take. The DePIN protocol applies this idea to computer networks, giving a new utility to underutilized hardware. Very few home computers run at full power 24/7. DePIN repurposes its CPU/GPU, which in turn reduces the need to manufacture new devices. This approach maximizes available resources while increasing network efficiency. While overall energy consumption may increase due to increased GPU availability, the decentralized model ensures that this energy is used sustainably.

The story continues

Despite its potential, public skepticism about DePIN’s implementation is almost a given. The industry has a long way to go before it can prove it has matured beyond FTX-level disasters. Environmental concerns around mining remain popular arguments against cryptocurrencies. This means that DePIN’s climate-saving use cases are incredibly valuable. DePIN providing eco-friendly solutions to our favorite AI tools is even better. This is further evidence that DePIN is a solid path to widespread adoption.

Democratizing access to GenAI

It’s not just about energy. Access to powerful GPUs has traditionally been limited to large enterprises. Cloud providers are expensive, and their packages often don’t meet the needs of small businesses. This exclusivity has prevented smaller institutions from using advanced AI tools. It’s a repeat of an all-too-common technological phenomenon—financial barriers ensure that those with capital remain in power. GenAI can power breakthroughs ranging from new treatments for rare diseases to crypto transactions. They can’t be limited to just a few players.

Fortunately, DePIN democratizes access to GPUs, making them affordable and accessible to a wider audience. Universities, startups, and independent researchers can now harness the power of AI without financial concerns. This mission aligns with one of the blockchain community’s core goals of financial inclusion and connecting more people to digital assets.

It also speaks to the power of moving away from centralized providers. Unfortunately, the cryptocurrency industry is all too familiar with the dangerous influence of a single bad actor. Giving more institutions access to decentralized GPUs prevents overreliance on a single data center or AI company. If AI does permeate our lives in the way experts predict, it’s imperative that no single company has too much say in what that looks like.

The Future of DePIN and GenAI

This year, DePIN is also the summer of AI. As hundreds of thousands of people flock to warm destinations with cold beverages, they’re likely already aware of the impact of AI. Maybe they had facial recognition at the boarding gate, or maybe ChatGPT helped them find their dream resort. Behind the scenes, these apps have been harnessing massive amounts of energy to make our lives easier.

Many don’t realize that DePIN applications will start appearing just as quickly. We will have more ways to monetize our resources, whether it’s the history of CPU, GPU, or GPS. There’s no reason these advances have to be at odds with each other. In fact, they should evolve in parallel. DePIN can help ensure that AI development is energy efficient and climate friendly. In the AI ​​era, GPU is the new oil, and we should treat it as such.

Note: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CoinDesk, Inc. or its owners and affiliates.