Megawatts, Not Tokens

As a banker for almost two decades and covering Energy, Power and Renewables, I really enjoyed reading “Megawatts, Not Tokens” by Yasin Kasirga. Everyone talks about AI, tokens, and chips, but no progress is possible without the energy that enable all. The book has reinforced the way I think about AI, not simply as a digital revolution, but as a major physical infrastructure challenge. Power, water, grid capacity and emissions behind AI are so intrinsically connected (but often viewed in isolation) and Kasirga’s writing has given me a fresh perspective on both the clients I cover and the investment decisions the sector is already dealing with and will increasingly face. The book is also wittingly written, which makes it an enjoyable read. Essential reading for anyone working at the intersection of AI, Natural Resources, infrastructure or Finance, but also for anyone who is trying to make sense of all the AI evolution we are living through.

I run businesses in the Gulf, where energy, water and ambition meet every day, and I have watched the AI conversation drift into abstraction...models, tokens, parameters while the physical constraints go unmentioned. Yasin Kasırga's Megawatts Not Tokens puts them back at the centre. The book explains, in plain language, why the real bottleneck of artificial intelligence is electricity rather than software, what that means for sustainability targets that were written before the AI boom, and how countries and companies should think about the trade-offs. It is rigorous without being academic, and honest about what we do not yet know. I have known Yasin for years as a sharp and practical thinker; this book is exactly that. If you make decisions about technology, infrastructure or climate, read it before your next investment committee.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it brings a very different perspective to the AI conversation. Everyone talks about software, chips and models, while Yasin focuses on the less visible side behind all of it: power generation, grids, infrastructure, water and the physical requirements of scaling AI. I also liked how directly he addresses some subjects in the sector, especially around reliability, renewables, gas and what can realistically be built within the timelines AI is demanding. Yasin has transferred his experience from the power sector and from actually delivering projects into the book very naturally. That combination of industry experience and a very current subject made it a genuinely interesting read for me.

first of all i couldn't think of a more relevant book for our times. what impressed me is the authors insight and ability to translate complex global issues around AI and energy and break them down so succinctly! the journey your taken on is emotional, informative and ultimately thought provoking! it's the kind of book that we will keep referring to i hope that we all heed Yasin's advice! if you haven't read it i couldn't encourage you more to!

I believe Yasin Kasirga, with his decades of hands-on industry experience, did an excellent job connecting complex developments in technology, energy, and investment in a thought-provoking way. What I particularly appreciated is the book’s focus on the real-world foundations behind the digital economy A very timely and insightful read for anyone interested in AI, energy, technology, infrastructure, and the future of the global economy. Highly recommended.

Megawatts & AI breaks down complex energy concepts for those of us outside the industry, while connecting all the dots across the AI supply chain—from power generation to data centers. Clear, well-structured, and genuinely accessible for readers at any level. Highly recommended if you want to understand what actually fuels the future of AI.