Energy Transition

DeepSeek R1 Breakthrough | Fresh Take on Power Demand

byAdam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

DeepSeek’s recently released open-source reasoning, large language model (LLM) V3-R1 has benchmarked closely to OpenAI’s o1 framework. The Chinese company drastically lowered the cost of running its LLM via several novel methods. Firstly, DeepSeek drastically improved reasoning using stronger reinforcement learning techniques that reduce precision while maintaining accuracy. They also employ a mixture-of-experts architecture, which combines many focused models that only call on individual components when necessary, rather than relying on one large model that requires vast amounts of memory. These techniques allowed for high process performance with limited hardware capabilities. 

On top of achieving similar performance to OpenAI’s o1, DeepSeek R1 is believed to have been trained on chips comparable to Nvidia’s A100 chip, which is two generations behind the latest Blackwell chip. This drastic change in model optimization has shifted industry leaders’ focus to refining their models to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption. We do not expect this to change near-term data center growth, but it raises questions about longer-term capital allocations for computing hub expansion.

Research Highlights:

  • Class VI Update 4Q24 – The Wave Is Coming – In this new quarterly report series, Enverus Intelligence® Research provides an overview of recent changes and additions to the growing list of Class VI wells associated with CCS project in the U.S. Leveraging the Enverus FOUNDATIONS® — Carbon Innovation Wells database, this report series covers new Class VI applications, changes to permit status, permit approvals and newly disclosed project details. In this inaugural report, we cover updates in 4Q24 as well as highlights from 2024.
  • Delayed Exit – Rising Demand Keeps Power Plants Online – How have thermal power plant retirements shifted in response to rising demand and the growing need for baseload generation? Which natural gas plants are likely to have their retirements delayed based on plant efficiency and projected power demand growth?
  • DeepSeek R1 Breakthrough – Putting the Bull Case on Notice – This report addresses the release of DeepSeek’s R1 AI model, the impacted markets and the bull case for energy.

About Enverus Intelligence®| Research

Enverus Intelligence® | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations, and macro-economic forecasts and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies, and capital providers worldwide. See additional disclosures here.

Picture of Adam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Adam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Adam Robinson joined the Enverus Intelligence® Research team as an Energy Transition Analyst in October 2024, focusing on supporting sustainable energy solutions. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary and brings hands-on experience in pipeline integrity engineering. With a strong foundation in pipeline systems and integrity management, Adam is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to optimize energy infrastructure and enhance system reliability.

Subscribe to the Enverus Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Related Content
Enverus Press Release - Renewable diesel: Too much of a good thing?
Analyst Takes Trading and Risk
ByAl Salazar, Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) Contributor

Alberta West Coast oil pipeline: analysis of routes, costs, Pathways carbon capture link and trade impacts shaping Canada’s crude future.

Enverus Press Release - Decoding CCUS project success
Financial Services
ByColton Wright

NGP, Tailwater, and Blackstone reveal how energy investors are structuring around AI cycle risk instead of forecasting it. Insights from Enverus Evolve 2026.

Enverus Media Advisory - Trump vs. Harris: A tale of two energy policies
Operators
BySimon Goettl

Accelerate inventory evaluation for oil and gas deals with Enverus ONE: location-level valuations, AI-assisted screening, and faster deal decisions.

Enverus Press Release - Enverus Earns Top Workplaces Honors for Fourth Consecutive Year
Energy Transition
ByAdam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Fervo Energy valuation examined: Enverus warns of water-loss, thermal drawdown, and capex hurdles for EGS.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - OPEC+ cuts and Trump tariffs force price downgrade
Generative AI Other
ByAkash Sharma

Most energy companies have tried AI and walked away skeptical. This post breaks down the three-stage adoption curve, why energy is structurally different from every other industry, and how to diagnose exactly where your organization is stuck.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Enhanced geothermal systems: The future of reliable, green power for AI data centers?
Power and Renewables
ByRebekah Mitchell

Greenfield costs are up, queues are long, and policy headwinds are real. Here's why more developers are turning to M&A to capture power market tailwinds.

Enverus Press Release - Price forecast downgraded in latest Fundamental Edge report
Energy Market Wrap
ByEnverus

BKV boosts Barnett output, Range targets growth, ET expands exports and Chevron builds power for AI demand in this week’s Energy Market Wrap.

Enverus Press Release - Natural gas emerges as premier choice for grid stability amid rising demand and coal retirements
Power and Renewables
ByEnverus

See how Enverus day-ahead wind forecasts outperformed ISO forecasts across ERCOT, SPP, and MISO during high-volatility spring ramp events in April–May 2026.

Enverus Press Release - Seeing the ceiling: Maximizing output for today’s natural gas-fired grid
Energy Transition
ByCarson Kearl, Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) Contributor

Project Jade Wyoming data center update: Crusoe out of 1.8GW Cheyenne campus; impacts on queue risk, interconnection and investors.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Sign up for our Blog

Ready to Subscribe?

Ready to Get Started?