> for starters how will you even know what hardware and inference backend is being used by RandomAiProvider3284.com? you can't.

From the article:

A typical request to the open model Kimi K3 emits about 0.4 grams of CO₂ in Sweden, 1.6 grams in Ireland, 2.5 grams in Germany and 3.2 grams in Texas, on identical hardware — 8.5 times more in Texas than in Sweden.

-> So the comparison is based on the assumption that identical hardware is used.

Also from the article:

Emissions estimates are based on the current average emissions intensity of each regional electricity grid, which has been the norm in greenhouse gas accounting.

So it's just an incredibly stupid way to compare the power grids in Texas vs Sweden. It's not even accurate because the marginal watt during the day looks very different than the overall grid average.