Power companies are increasingly employing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. This technology is transforming critical functions, from preventing structural issues to reducing carbon emissions. The integration of AI is also creating new job prospects for professionals specializing in AI ethics, software development, and data analysis. However, experts caution that AI adoption may lead to the elimination of traditional energy sector roles.
Application Scenarios: monitoring emissions, optimizing systems, managing offers, enhancing cybersecurity
Numerous enterprises are exploring the potential of AI in reducing their carbon footprint, as global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions surpassed 37.4 billion tonnes for the first time last month, marking a 1.1% rise from 2022 levels.
Shell, for example, has introduced an AI tool for monitoring gas emissions. Dan Jeavons, the company’s Vice President of Mathematical Science and Innovation, explains that this tool utilizes weather and concentration data to track emission sources accurately.
By minimizing energy requirements, AI can enhance the efficiency of power systems, potentially paving the way for innovative low-carbon energy solutions and aiding suppliers in monitoring greenhouse gas absorption.
Gert Vermeiren, a senior producer at Aecom specializing in culture, water, and energy, highlights that AI will enhance the cost-effectiveness and precision of energy infrastructure. Professionals working on pipelines and power grids can leverage AI to make sustainable decisions rapidly.
Image: An oil refinery owned by Shell. The company is exploring AI applications to boost energy efficiency in buildings.
Furthermore, AI provides operations engineers with a comprehensive view of energy supply, enabling them to analyze generation patterns efficiently and balance various low-carbon sources. This approach ensures a more reliable energy supply for consumers.
Energy asset managers can leverage AI tools to predict system failures, conduct inspections, and execute repairs promptly, improving both productivity and safety standards.
SSE, a Scottish energy provider, has successfully employed AI-powered energy forecasting. Eunice Mabey, Director of Digital Services at SSE Energy Solutions, notes that this technology enables precise energy demand forecasts at the distribution system operator level, enhancing flexibility and cost predictability for businesses.
AI is also utilized to optimize energy systems in academic and healthcare settings, analyzing past performance data to reduce costs and emissions effectively.
Mona Schroedel, a managing associate at Freeths, suggests that AI algorithms can streamline energy trading research by analyzing vast datasets for patterns and anomalies. Additionally, AI can enhance cybersecurity measures to counter evolving threats in the energy sector.
According to Amanda Ahl from Bloomberg NEF, AI will play a crucial role in grid design and planning, accounting for 7% of AI activities in the power sector in 2023.
Emerging Roles: system modelers, ethics officers, cybersecurity experts
Dr. Augustine Ikpehai from Sheffield Hallam University emphasizes the growing demand for professionals with expertise in data science and AI development to create advanced predictive models for energy companies.
Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, an assistant professor at Northumbria University, predicts a rising demand for system modeler engineers who can optimize energy systems using AI and computational modeling.
Image: Energy facilities undergoing manual inspections with the assistance of drones and computer vision systems.
To ensure ethical AI use, energy companies are advised to appoint AI ethics officers. Derreck Van Gelderen, AI energy lead at PA Consulting, stresses the importance of ensuring fairness, transparency, and responsibility in AI system development and deployment.
Cybersecurity professionals will also play a critical role in safeguarding future energy infrastructure from cyber threats. Kumar Parakala, President of GHD Digital, anticipates a surge in demand for cybersecurity experts to counter sophisticated online attacks targeting critical energy assets.
Job Impact: Evolution and Displacement
While AI-driven advancements create new opportunities in the energy sector, they may also lead to the displacement of traditional roles. Automation of inspection and maintenance tasks through AI technologies could replace low-skilled positions in the industry.
Van Gelderen suggests automating hazardous inspection and maintenance activities to protect workers and cites the example of the Sellafield nuclear waste management plant utilizing an AI-powered robot for safety.
According to Parakala, the petroleum sector may witness significant job losses due to AI-driven automation, particularly in mechanical roles being replaced by robotics and AI systems.
Tom Fairbairn, a distinguished engineer at Solace, notes that AI will automate routine maintenance tasks, potentially impacting roles in energy plants and junior supervisory positions. However, affected workers can reskill in areas requiring human judgment, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
