[ExI] benefits of climate change

[Keith Henson]

On Sun, Aug 9, 2026 at 9:13 PM <spike at rainier66.com> wrote:

>
> *From:* Keith Henson <hkeithhenson at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [ExI] benefits of climate change
>
>
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> >…If you want to think of projects in this class, consider energy storage
> by pumping water up to the west of the Salton Sea. The potential capacity
> is so large that it could store seasonal power.
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>
> Keith
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> Keith I didn’t state my previous notion very clearly, for I realized it
> came across as AI operating at power costing two bucks.  What I meant is
> the AI facilities generate and use power at 6 cents, then have it available
> for sale to Phoenix (in a dire emergency) for 2 bucks.
>

It better be short term. AC in Phoenix runs upwards of $700 a month. Two
dollar a kWh power would jack this up to $5000 a month or more.

What I don’t know, I still don’t know, is how much revenue AI will
> generate.  John tells us it will generate unimaginable wealth.  OK then,
> how unimaginable?  Is it unimaginable enough to risk sufficient imaginable
> wealth to build out the 95 corridor with power generation and data
> centers?  How unimaginable is unimaginable?  Considering how much
> investment cap is pouring into AI, we need realistic estimates of
> unimaginable.  John?  How much is AI likely to generate?
>

It is not exactly obvious how AI will pay for the cap-ex. It might,
especially if they figure out ways to massively reduce the cost, especially
the power cost. But right now, the companies trying to replace people with
AI are appalled at their AI bills. And they are not paying close to what
the real cost of AI.

The value of a backup power supply to Phoenix helps monetize the idea,
> while creating a power infrastructure to run the AI.  Everybody wins in
> that scenario: in the event of a widespread power failure, Phoenix is
> saved.  As one who once made many business trips to Glendale all year
> around, I know exactly what you meant about the risk of widespread
> fatalities if the power goes out.  So… we have lots of backup power along
> the NV/CA state line and install the lines to deliver it.
>
>
Maybe. Have you looked at how long it takes to get a power line permitted?

>
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> That corridor along 95 north and west of Las Vegas is really ideally
> situated for AI and the associated power generation.  Nevada has
> infrastructure-friendly environmental laws, and a business-friendly tax
> structure.  Out there, they could draw water from the sea, sell power to
> California (and in an emergency, Phoenix.)  That could become the AI
> capital of the world out there.  The potential profit, oh mercy, just
> thinking about all that money makes my butt hurt.
>

I don't think there is any money to be made from such a scheme, but figure
it out for yourself. An hour or two with AI help would give you a first
order idea of the cost.

Keith



> spike
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