Client: Energy Systems Catapult

Project: AI Risks for Energy Networks

Sector: Energy & Net Zero

Service: User Research, Stakeholder Management

Challenge

Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a key tool in enabling and managing the transition to Net Zero. With increased monitoring of controllable technologies, AI will be able to optimise the deployment of smart technologies, facilitate new products and services, and help to plan and operate the networks. Barriers to entry are being lowered and the technology is more readily available to an increasing array of practitioners, accelerating its adoption into the energy system and creating new opportunities for decarbonisation and energy efficiency.

Our Role & Impact

The report presented our investigations into some of the potential risks and impacts on energy networks, including possible ways to mitigate and manage these risks. It identified eight core areas where there could be significant challenges and emerging risks in adopting AI.

Our research and analysis outlined the scale of the challenge in designing and delivering an AI-enabled future energy sector, as we move towards a more decentralised and automated energy network. The challenges identified represent an opportunity for the sector to take a proactive and collaborative approach to AI risk management, creating a regulatory market that nurtures innovation. The report was launched at a TechUK event in 2024 with industry leaders to discuss ways forward.