FEDARENE’s AI Working Group: the Inaugural Session

On 5 June, members of FEDARENE convened for an exclusive meeting focused on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the energy sector. The gathering delved into the evolving landscape of A.I. regulation, applications, and challenges within the energy domain, with presentations from Stavros Stamatoukos (Policy Officer, DG Energy, European Commission – Digitalisation, Competitiveness, Research and Innovation Unit) & Dr. Marian Klobasa, Sabine Pelka and Heike Brugger (Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research). 

Stavros began by shedding light on the EU’s latest developments in A.I. regulation. He outlined the objectives of the new A.I. Act and the broader EU A.I. package, emphasizing the need for robust rules and obligations to ensure the safety of users and the energy sector at large. He underscored the importance of compliance with EU law and highlighted the imperative to foster transparency, particularly in high-risk cases such as operational infrastructure.

The discussion then shifted to practical A.I. applications in the energy sector. Examples ranged from generation forecasting and enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources to optimizing transmission and distribution grids and promoting energy efficiency in buildings. Stavros also touched upon various use cases, including customer relations, customer services, and energy market optimization, highlighting the vast potential of A.I. technologies in reshaping the energy landscape. 

The Fraunhofer Institute provided further insights into the role of A.I. and digitalization in shaping the future of energy. They presented an implementation plan for a common European Energy Data Space and highlighted A.I. applications in infrastructure planning and operation.

Concepts for engaging active consumers through digital tools and nudging for energy savings were also discussed, alongside the broader impact of A.I. on energy consumption patterns. 

The session concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which attendees explored practical strategies for leveraging A.I. to support small municipalities with limited resources. Ideas ranged from collaborative initiatives to shared A.I. platforms tailored to the unique needs of smaller communities.  

In essence, FEDARENE’s A.I. meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges inherent in harnessing A.I. for the energy transition. As A.I. continues to evolve as a key enabler of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, its integration into the energy sector holds immense promise for a more efficient, resilient, and equitable future. 

Download the material shared by our speakers and stay tuned for the upcoming exclusive meetings!