Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the energy industry. It is used, for instance, to automatically process and evaluate data streams and forecasts on energy generation. However, the question as to which applications AI can be best utilized in the energy sector is still controversial. According to a survey conducted by the German Energy Agency (dena) on AI at the beginning of 2019, for which a total of 250 executives from energy companies throughout Germany were questioned, the majority of companies saw positive effects for the energy transition. And yet, there is often a lack of expertise when it comes to the implementation of AI technology, which impedes the use of AI for the purposes of the energy transition.

With this in mind, dena has set itself the goal, within the scope of the EnerKI project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), of consolidating knowledge on the use of AI in the energy industry and promoting dialogue between the relevant market players from the energy sector, politics and the public. The main objective is to provide the market players with initial strategic recommendations for action. Involving political decision-makers ensures that the needs identified in the project are communicated directly to political representatives. Particular attention is being paid to evaluating AI technology for use in certain fields of the economy, thereby taking into account all technical, economic and social aspects.

By the end of August 2020, various events and expert workshops, two analytical reports and a study are planned with the participation of German and international stakeholders. The inauguration of the project, which is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for one year, took place in Berlin on 21 May this year.