The energy sector must overcome a lack of trust in artificial intelligence (AI) before the technology can be effectively used to accelerate the energy transition, a DNV report has found.
Based on interviews with senior representatives from energy companies across the United Kingdom, DNV’s research determined that while AI is already being used across the sector, the industry is largely cautious of its new and unestablished uses.
Interviewees include industry personnel from the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, EnQuest, National Gas, National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) and the Net Zero Technology Hub, among other organisations.
‘AI insights: Rising to the challenge across the UK energy system‘ outlines how AI can contribute to the energy transition and why an industry-wide approach to standards and best practices is required to unlock its potential.
While AI can be key to advancement and innovation in energy supply chains, the research found putting in place the foundations for trust in the providers of AI solutions and the outputs of those solutions must be prioritised.
This is in light of recent geopolitical events highlighting the need for countries to have energy sustainability, security and affordability – in effect, a parallel trilemma for AI as it is increasingly democratised and utilised, according to the report.
It also found that data policies and industry culture present significant barriers to its widespread adoption.
At industry level, information sharing has been identified as the area which requires the greatest improvement, DNV found.
In terms of culture, it was found that the engineering community has a high level of risk aversion and low tolerance to error, it added.
Executive vice president and regional director UK and Ireland, energy systems at DNV Hari Vamadevan said: “To truly harness the benefits of AI in the energy sector, it’s critical this technology is trusted.
“There are two main challenges in achieving this: information to evaluate the trustworthiness of an AI system, and communication, to relay evidence which allows users to trust the systems.”