Back in October 2023, there was a formal discussion about the possibilities of using AI in the energy industry.
During the discussion, the focus was on how AI could enhance safety, affordability, efficiency, and environmentally friendly energy production.
Jeremy Renshaw, a senior technical executive at the Electric Power Research Institute, emphasized the potential benefits of AI for utilities.
Renshaw highlighted AI’s role in maintaining or improving various aspects of energy production.
The perks of AI have piqued the interest of many people, as shown at VERGE 23. Where there was a tutorial on AI and decarbonization, and many people wanted to know about it.
In the discussion, the potential uses of AI in the decarbonization efforts by the energy industry includes:
- Optimization of building operations and industrial processes.
- Improved weather analytics and energy demand predictions.
- Sharper insights for prioritizing logistics and fleet transitions.
- Accelerated research and product design.
It may look like all sunshine and rainbows, but the speakers gave a caution.
Before using the help of AI in future projects, we must meet certain “preconditions.”
These preconditions involve ensuring the operational health of the targeted systems.
Moreover, they also include addressing issues with connectivity and incentivizing facility teams to meet carbon reduction targets. People and their efforts should be recognized and supported.
Andrew Knueppel, workplace engineering manager for real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, said, “If you don’t have targets for it, then it’s not something that you’re going to be able to make effective progress on.”
A few things to consider
Companies that are considering AI projects in their sustainability efforts should keep these four considerations in mind:
- Don’t take automation as a panacea.
This means that instead of implementing AI to manage buildings from the get-go, focus on what’s available now. For example, ensure the efficiency of the existing systems like lighting and HVAC.Despite its benefits, AI won’t resolve issues like stuck valves or uncalibrated sensors.Moreover, when there’s congested networks that the AI can’t read, then there’s isolated systems or protocols, that means we’re stuck. When that happens, we can’t get the data out in order to use it for any application.
- Quality over quantity in data
It’s wise to carefully choose data for AI application. For instance, it’s a good step to screen for bias and select robust metrics. Furthermore, consider the cost of collecting data and potential privacy issues when generating synthetic data.Basically, it’s not about how much data we have for the AI; it’s the weight of it.
- Energy consumption concerns
About 70% of corporate chief information officers have expressed concerns regarding the energy consumption when using AI.Such associations and concerns are not baseless. Training generative AI applications, such as ChatGPT, can require thousands of megawatt-hours of computing time.So, there are three factors to consider for making AI sustainable. First, collaborate with IT departments to optimize software algorithms. Second, run computing workloads on renewable energy. Third, use only necessary data for models.
- Don’t forget the humans
Yes, AI may seem to be powerful, and it doesn’t need any help from humans. However, it’s wise to make sure that facility teams and occupants understand how AI algorithms work.To do that, it’s okay to start small, monitor results closely, and be open about how the AI makes decisions.Involving humans is still important for addressing issues and complaints that may come when AI controls building functions.
Basically, the bottom line of the discussion is that AI has a lot of potential for the energy industry. But, there should be careful consideration and transparency. The two are important for successful and sustainable implementation.
The wider use of AI in today’s world
There’s no point denying it now: AI is everywhere, and more sectors are keen on trying it.
Well, it can be helpful, and AI experts believe in its ability to help with improving climate change.
In fact, a survey discovered that 87% of climate and AI leaders worldwide believe so. What’s more, 67% of private sector leaders think governments should step up to support using AI in fighting climate change.
Of course, this was met by a little skepticism—in what way does AI help improving the environment?
Maybe these two showcases could answer that question.
Managing waste and recycling
When it comes to managing and recycling waste, AI-powered systems are believed to be very useful.
These systems dig into historical and real-time data on waste production, collection, and disposal to make things better.
Moreover, AI can predict traffic conditions and figure out how full the bins are. This helps companies and towns act more harmoniously when managing their waste.
That way, there will be less waste, more recycling, saving money, and cutting emissions from those waste trucks.
Then, we can also use AI’s machine learning capability to find ways to recycle and compost more. The use of algorithms to analyze data can lead to less waste ending up in landfills.
It’s still somewhere in the future, but all AI-powered machines might be doing all the sorting. Experts believe that this boosts recycling power and cuts emissions from dealing with landfill waste.
As of today, we have Waste Robotics in Canada. They use cool tech like hyperspectral cameras and deep learning to analyze materials accurately. So, this makes sure that everything gets sorted out just right.
The tech company has a multi-sensor model, which recognizes what materials are made of to recover as many resources as possible. Basically, AI has been doing a good job in helping sustainability; the future is starting to happen today.
Increasing efficiency in transportation
According to AI experts, AI systems can make traffic flow better. And at the same time, it can help public transportation use less fuel and cut down on emissions.
For one, traffic management systems via AI can look at real-time data from sensors, GPS devices, cameras. It can also look at other sources to ease congestion and reduce fuel use from cars stuck in traffic.
Moreover, AI models can check how many people want to use public transportation. The models can then plan the best routes, schedules, and how many people can fit—all to save fuel.
For the other, AI machines can help with de-icing and checking planes. And, Norse Atlantic Airways has employed the machines to get their Boeing 787 planes ready before flying.
According to Thom-Arne Norheim from Norse Atlantic Airways stated that the company has worked with Avinxt.
“The solution from Avinxt is one of several initiatives that can help us reduce our carbon footprint while at the same time reducing our costs. That is a win-win.
“At Norse Atlantic, we are always keen to explore intuitive partners and find solutions to automate and streamline our operations, allowing us to be more efficient, punctual, and cost-effective, particularly during winter operations,” Norheim said.
For the aviation company, having machines wash their planes means less air slowing them down. That means, they use less fuel—up to 2% less.
With automated, regular engine washing, aircraft can work better and burn less fuel.
AI machines can also be designed to be sustainable. In this case, Avinxt uses rainwater, and it cleans and reuses 95% of the water.
Given more time, AI can help a lot more in terms of fighting climate change. Well, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s going to happen.
Sources
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/4-things-consider-using-ai-carbon-reduction-projects
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