As the Energy Sector Evolves – AI Challenges and Concerns

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Abstract:

The energy industry continues rapid growth, driven by the world’s insatiable appetite increasing demand and consumption. Concurrently, governments are increasing their push toward electrification, viewing this as a path toward decarbonization and the reduction of fossil fuels, replacing them with renewable energy sources. However, what’s the reliability and risk of variable generating sources (solar, wind, etc.) that depend upon weather?

Proponents cite a variety of new tools to enable and accelerate this transition including artificial intelligence (AI). However, what challenges and concerns are associated with this approach?

– Can the current electrical infrastructure in the U.S. support an increased demand?

– How susceptible is the grid and its assets to the various risks and threats posed (both natural and man-made)?

– What would be the cost to upgrade and expand the grid to increase its capacity, reliability, and resiliency?  Where will the money come from?

– How can AI be used to manage the growing number of distributed energy resources (DER)? Doesn’t AI consume a large amount of energy (beyond a normal data center)?

– Are electric vehicles the future of transportation? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

– In weighing the environmental issues (decrease in greenhouse gases, increased use of natural resources, (minerals for batteries, panels, turbine blades), issues of waste disposal, etc.) what is the net impact on our environment?

– Currently, radio, television, radar, computers, cell phones, satellites and millions of transmission towers bathe the planet in electrical and magnetic fields (EMF), affecting the cells of humans, animals, and plants.  What are the risks of continuing the increase in EMFs on the health of life on earth?      

This training will share knowledge regarding the topics above and hopefully prompt an interesting discussion.

At the conclusion of this course, attendees will:

• Discuss the mega-trends affecting the electrical utility industry going forward.
• Explain how AI can manage and control complex grids with increasing numbers of DER assets for utilities.
• Summarize the environmental issues involved in the current push toward electrification and variable renewable energy sources.
• Predict some of the effects associated with increased EMFs through history and risks going forward.