Digitalisation and artificial intelligence-based applications cut electricity costs for end-users, increase energy security, improve business performance, and help integrate low-cost renewables, according to a new report.
The report, ‘Digitalisation and AI for Power Systems Transformation: Perspectives for the G7’ explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enhanced applications such as forecasting or automated grid operations can create value across the power system. The report was published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the request of the Canadian G7 Presidency, during the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting that took place from 30-31 October in Toronto, Canada.
The analysis intends to guide G7 countries via five value clusters: monitoring, forecasting, operational optimisation, end-use automation, and transparency to address the global power systems transformation.
The report recommends G7 policymakers to: i) Perform benefits-oriented assessment of power systems to guide policy and investment decisions; ii) Strengthen data systems and interoperability, with focus on regional networks and cybersecurity; iii) Address the digital skills gap across sectors to ensure workforce is ready for energy transition; iv) Boost energy planning to mobilise investment, particularly in EMDEs; and v) Enhance the cooperation between energy, digital and public sector to accelerate and manage power system transformation.
