Using AI for a sustainable and fair energy system
The power grid is reaching its limits, demand for electricity continues to grow, and data on the energy system is fragmented. AI promises more accurate forecasts and better coordination. ELSA Lab AI4ES is investigating the conditions under which this approach is viable: legally, ethically, environmentally, economically, and socially.
The Role of AI in the Energy System
The physical limitations of the energy system affect energy independence, security of supply, and efforts to combat climate change. Grid capacity, growing electricity demand, and the lack of usable data are all interrelated in this context. AI can help address these challenges by better aligning supply and demand and by forecasting consumption and generation.
Technology is advancing faster than our thinking about its consequences. Legal, ethical, environmental, economic, and social issues are easily pushed into the background because their immediate benefits are less visible. AI4ES therefore works from a research question: Which regulatory framework—whether existing, emerging, or yet to be developed—enables the sustainable application of AI in the energy sector, while taking into account ethical, environmental, economic, business, and societal aspects?
About ELSA Lab AI4ES
AI and energy systems have evolved independently of one another. A transdisciplinary approach highlights the issues that arise from this combination, over the medium term and from the perspectives that matter. The lab identifies and investigates new changes and challenges that emerge along the way, so that you can learn to address them as soon as they arise. The lab’s full name is AI4ES E3LSA Lab, referring to the environmental, economic, business, ethical, legal, and social challenges it investigates.
AI4ES is working on two aspects of sustainable AI: AI for sustainability, in which AI supports sustainable practices, and the sustainability of AI, in which the technology itself has a smaller ecological footprint. The lab develops prototypes of solutions for legal and technical issues, as well as for policy procedures that enable organizations in the energy chain to implement responsible AI.
Objective: To contribute to AI applications in the energy sector that are lawful, ethical, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible, within the legal frameworks governing AI in this sector and with due consideration for the economic and business context.
Guiding responsible AI in the energy system
AI4ES is investigating the risks associated with the use of AI in the energy sector:
- careless use of AI;
- autonomous bots that take control of critical energy infrastructure;
- cybercrime;
- political or administrative misuse of AI;
- violation of privacy;
- data ownership;
- the carbon footprint of data centers;
- liability;
- e-waste processing.
These risks raise normative questions—legal, ethical, and political. Answers to these questions help communities, governments, and businesses make informed decisions about AI in (decentralized) energy systems.
The lab is working to improve regulatory compliance for AI applications in the energy sector and to build a safe, resilient energy infrastructure. Companies receive support in navigating the legal challenges arising from complex regulatory frameworks; technology companies and energy market participants are given the opportunity to optimize their operations through the judicious use of AI; and investments in AI development accelerate the energy transition and reduce operational costs.
The AI4ES Navigator has emerged from real-world projects and enables the lab to shape new regulations for emerging technologies, business models, and stakeholder engagement. Through these use cases, AI4ES uses participatory research to gather practices, case studies, lessons learned, scenarios, and recommendations that underpin legal and ethical frameworks with real-world experience.
Collaboration partners
Partners from the energy sector and research institutions are jointly implementing AI4ES: Coolgradient, Enexis, &Flux, CONNECTR, NLdigital, Eurofiber, Endona/Escozon, Electricity Campus, AI-hub Oost-Nederland, FME, Brainport Development, KPN, Elferink & Kortier Advocaten, and Stadtwerke Gronau. The lab shares knowledge with the other ELSA Labs, thereby refining its own work.
