Kristian Ruby, the Secretary General of Eurelectric, which represents the interests of the electricity industry in Europe, is deeply intrigued by the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming various aspects of the sector. The application of AI is revolutionizing traditional practices, such as inspections in wind farms, where drones equipped with AI tools are replacing manual inspections, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety while reducing costs.
Speaking at the SAP for Energy and Utilities Conference in Sevilla, Spain, hosted by Daniela Haldy-Sellmann, the global VP and head of energy and utilities industries at SAP, Ruby emphasized the transformative nature of AI. He highlighted its ubiquitous presence across the sector, particularly in grid management, electro-mobility, and maintenance operations. AI enables the efficient balancing of the grid by analyzing data from diverse sources and facilitates the coordination of electric vehicle charging based on price signals and availability.
Ruby’s role at Eurelectric involves advising decision-makers from approximately 3,500 companies in the European electricity sector, navigating through complex regulations to facilitate compliance amid the EU’s ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. The transition to electric mobility, with an expected 75 million electric cars on the road by 2030, necessitates substantial investments in charging infrastructure and grid enhancements.
One of the prominent shifts observed by Ruby is the decentralization of energy generation, with an estimated 70% of new capacity connected to medium- and low-voltage grids. This decentralization poses challenges for grid operation, requiring innovative solutions and a conducive regulatory environment to support digitalization and entrepreneurship.
To realize Eurelectric’s vision of a sustainable, competitive industry delivering affordable, secure, and clean electricity, Ruby advocates for enhanced collaboration among industry stakeholders and proactive engagement with policymakers. Despite the accelerated pace of change driven by renewable energy adoption, Ruby underscores the importance of maintaining focus on execution and addressing challenges such as data overload and ethical AI utilization.
As AI continues to play an increasingly significant role in decision-making processes, Ruby emphasizes the need for ethical considerations to mitigate potential risks associated with AI-driven decision-making. While AI presents opportunities for efficiency and innovation, its responsible deployment remains paramount to ensure ethical and sustainable business practices in the evolving energy landscape.