The Energy Equation: Every Computation Requires Energy — The Machines Are Getting Hungrier

FractalNode Magazine Issue 004, Article 03 — Field Investigation 89 verified sources across 28 dossier sections on the AI energy crisis. Documents: 415 TWh global data center consumption (2024), IEA projection to 945 TWh by 2030, Virginia grid strain (47 GW contracted + 47 GW in talks vs. 24.5 GW peak), ERCOT queue explosion (63 GW to 226 GW in one year), Jevons' paradox in AI efficiency, NIF's 10 ignition shots (8.6 MJ record), CFS/Helion/TAE fusion timelines, tech companies becoming energy companies (Meta 6.6 GW nuclear, Amazon $20B PA investment), Sam Altman's structural conflict of interest (OpenAI CEO + Helion Chair), and the compute-energy death spiral with its two exits. Part of FractalNode Magazine Issue 004: The Machine — Series 001: The Signal