Kristian Ruby, the secretary general of Eurelectric, a trade association representing the electricity industry in Europe, is intrigued by the transformative power of AI in the sector. AI is being used to replace manual inspections of wind turbines with drones equipped with AI tools, improving safety and efficiency. Ruby sees AI as the most transformative technology humanity has ever seen, with its use becoming increasingly normal in various aspects of the electricity industry.
AI is playing a significant role in the electrification of Europe, balancing the power grid efficiently, coordinating the charging of electric cars, detecting anomalies in generation, consumption, and transmission, and managing maintenance tasks. Ruby’s role at Eurelectric involves advising decision-makers in the sector on complying with regulations to fast-track the EU’s green transition to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. The growth of electric cars and heat pumps will require substantial investments in new charging infrastructure and distribution grid upgrades.
The energy transition in Europe is characterized by decentralization, with a shift towards medium- and low-voltage grids for new generation capacities. As a result, distribution companies will face more complex flows, higher loads, and new customer demands. Ruby emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs, fewer regulatory restrictions, and a focus on digitalization to adapt to these changes. Eurelectric aims to create a sustainable and competitive electricity industry in Europe by identifying critical business topics and uniting the industry around common views.
Ruby highlights the acceleration of change in the energy sector, with renewables accounting for 48% of electricity by 2024 and electric cars gaining traction. This rapid transition is driving down prices and promoting environmental sustainability. While acknowledging challenges such as data overload and ethical considerations in AI use, Ruby emphasizes the importance of staying focused on executing the necessary changes. The industry is undergoing a fundamental shift towards a cleaner economy, driven by the urgent need to address environmental degradation and extreme weather events.
The rise of data volumes in the energy sector presents challenges for companies to make informed decisions. AI is becoming a crucial asset for processing vast amounts of data and performing tasks previously done by humans. However, companies must ensure ethical use of AI to mitigate risks and liabilities. Ruby stresses the importance of applying ethics in the deployment of AI technologies to avoid errors and maintain accountability. Despite the complexities of navigating the digital era, Ruby remains optimistic about the positive impact of AI and technological advancements in advancing the energy transition towards a sustainable future.
