Clean Energy Is Essential for AI Development: Yutaka Matsuo

Reporter: Adda Avendaño / Photographer: Jorge Aguilar – February 12, 2026

During the keynote lecture “State of the Art of AI in Japan,” Yutaka Matsuo outlined Japan’s strategy for addressing emerging technologies

Given the significant environmental impact of Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Yutaka Matsuo, professor and researcher at the University of Tokyo, emphasized the urgent need to promote the use of clean energy sources to ensure the planet’s sustainability.

During the keynote lecture “State of the Art of AI in Japan,” held at the Escuela Superior de Cómputo (Escom) of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Dr. Matsuo emphasized that one of the major challenges associated with the development of emerging technologies, such as AI, is their high energy consumption.

“It is essential for every sector of society to work on optimizing logistical operations and developing algorithms that help reduce electricity consumption and minimize environmental impact,” he stated.

Accompanied by Tsuyoshi Sasaki, Head of the Economic Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Japan in Mexico, Dr. Matsuo explained that for Japan, leveraging AI to strengthen regional industries is a strategic priority. However, he noted that only a few countries, such as the United States and China, currently possess the capacity to make large-scale investments in this technology.

He added that Japan’s strategy focuses on advancing Artificial Intelligence along four main directions: accelerating its adoption, strategically strengthening development capabilities, leading governance efforts to enhance trustworthiness, and promoting the transformation toward an AI-driven society. Within his laboratory, this vision includes the development of “world models” that enable AI systems to adapt to diverse environments.

During the presentation, Professor Erin Hirakawa highlighted the broad scope of Dr. Matsuo’s laboratory, which involves more than 29,000 students and nearly 4,000 faculty members, and whose host institution ranks among the world’s top 30 universities. She emphasized that its impact extends beyond the University of Tokyo, as it plays a leading role in Japan’s educational transformation.

The laboratory’s primary research focus is Artificial Intelligence and the publication of academic findings. It also offers programs covering both foundational and cutting-edge technologies, collaborates directly with AI companies, and provides significant support for students launching their own startups.

For her part, Patricia Ruíz Velasco y Hernández, Institutional Programs Coordinator at the IPN, noted that diplomatic relations between Japan and Mexico date back 130 years, marked by enduring ties of friendship, respect, and cooperation. She stated that the bilateral relationship has been built upon intercultural trust, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to addressing common challenges.

She described it as a privilege and honor to host Dr. Matsuo—recognized as a distinguished leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence in his country and region—and emphasized that his visit reflects a forward-looking cooperation strategy that opens new avenues of collaboration between the University of Tokyo and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional for the benefit of both economies and communities.