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 Intelligence® Research Press Release - Surge in clean energy demand intensifies market competition
Power and Renewables
ByEnverus

A practical due diligence checklist for renewable project acquisitions—helping developers assess risk, validate value, and avoid costly M&A mistakes.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Wood you believe it? BECCS is taking off and creating overlooked, lucrative opportunities
Energy Transition
ByNoor Qureshi

Explore the EPA's historic Renewable Fuel Standard mandates and their effect on biofuel supply and market dynamics.

Enverus Press Release - Redesigning ancillary markets: Reliability in a renewable future
Generative AI
ByManuj Nikhanj

The question isn’t what gets automated. It’s what becomes possible when you ask more of people, not less.  Too much of the AI conversation is trapped in the wrong frame: what jobs disappear, what tasks get automated, how much cost...

Enverus Press Release - Lessons learned from Eaton and the risk of wildfires spread by transmission lines
Power and Renewables
ByEnverus

Our SPP system‑wide load forecasting continues to deliver exceptional accuracy and consistency, reflecting the overall high performance of our forecasting portfolio. Enverus provides 15‑day‑ahead hourly forecasts for both SPP system demand and the individual balancing authorities across SPP, supporting reliable planning and...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Wood you believe it? BECCS is taking off and creating overlooked, lucrative opportunities
Energy Market Wrap
ByEnverus

This week’s energy headlines spotlight rising Delaware Basin growth, bold balance sheet moves, record federal leasing demand, new high-volume midstream contracting, and sustained shipper interest in a major Rockies corridor.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Winning in the West: Renewed opportunities are resurfacing in the DJ and PRB’s Niobrara
Energy Transition
ByBrynna Foley, Enverus Intelligence® Research

The scrapping of a planned 600 MW expansion at the Stargate data center in Abilene, Texas, serves as a reminder that large load interconnection queues continue to be inflated.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - OPEC+ cuts and Trump tariffs force price downgrade
Financial Services
ByEnverus

Discover emerging energy investment opportunities driven by AI and geopolitical shifts in the power sector. Learn from industry experts.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Recap: How the Trump Administration is reshaping energy markets
Analyst Takes Trading and Risk
ByAl Salazar, Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR) Contributor

Learn about the impact of Middle East energy disruptions on oil supply and global markets. Stay informed with Enverus Intelligence® Research.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Surge in clean energy demand intensifies market competition
Power and Renewables
ByEnverus

In 1982, The Clash released “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” And while generator interconnection was unlikely their muse, the chorus does ring true for project developers navigating the interconnection process.  Similar to the tenuous relationship in the song, the...

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?

Ready to Subscribe?

Sign Up

Power Your Insights