MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2023
How is AI Helping Renewables?
In this webinar we heard from women who are at the forefront of utilising and investing in artificial intelligence (AI) in the renewable energy sector, chaired by Maud Texier (Global Director of Clean Energy and Decarbonization Development, Google). Heather Redman (Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Flying Fish Partners) invests in AI in the energy sector, and kicked off the discussion with an overview of how she understands the sector. Heather conceptualises AI as the ability of a computer system to emulate human-like cognitive ability, such as the ability to learn and solve problems. AI is the umbrella term, and underneath this sits several sub-categories.
The panel then explored ways AI can and does contribute to the goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Heidi Østergaard (Head of Digital Strategy & Innovation, Ørsted) detailed how Ørsted uses AI in its wind farms. This includes using AI algorithms for predictive maintenance, forecasting to minimise downtime of turbines; and the use of drones to inspect components. This helps to increase energy yield of turbines and at the same time reduces how often technicians need to be sent out, therefore lowering costs, and improving safety.
Stephanie Judge (Head of Energy software-as-a-service, NextEra Energy Resources) detailed how NetEra also gathers more than 20 billion data points from their fleet everyday with the help of AI, which helps them to operate efficiently and reduce operational costs. NextEra also uses AI in their demand side ‘NextEra 360’ software, which can be used by utilities, commercial, industrial, and residential applications. NextEra uses AI to help dispatch energy into markets and helps them and their customers trade most effectively to maximise income.
The panel went on to discuss other applications of AI in grid integration, in the residential sector, and the opportunities of generative AI. They touched on some of the ‘blockers’, including for instance the view by some that this is ‘scary technology ‘. However, more recently, we are now seeing more appetite and less risk aversion around AI technology. Heather noted that there is talent in this AI space, and the good news is that there is a lot of interest from those people in working in the climate space.
