Energy

In the next ten years, the Netherlands aims to make significant progress in increasing the amount of renewable energy produced and promoting electrification in heat demand and mobility. This ambition requires a complete and highly complex transformation of the energy system. The fossil-based, centralized energy system is shifting towards a decentralized system based on renewable energy. Algorithms and AI can play a significant role in accelerating this transition and achieving an efficient and sustainable energy system.

In decisions related to the energy transition, such as investments in infrastructure or the placement of renewable sources, much depends on predictions often based on limited data, and there are various interests involved. New AI technology can support these investment and design questions by grounding them in better facts, considering multiple interests more effectively, and providing better explanations for the choices made and related uncertainties. Developing the necessary technology presents a unique opportunity for the Netherlands to lead internationally and export this technology.

Opportunities for a CO2-free energy system Furthermore, there are opportunities for AI in automating the operation of the energy system, supporting energy services, and predicting and automating maintenance. The opportunities and challenges for AI in this context are outlined in a position paper titled 'AI as an accelerator of the energy transition, opportunities for a CO2-free energy system.' This document serves as a guide for future steps and a framework for possibilities and challenges that have not yet been foreseen.

Sustainability The use of AI also offers opportunities to address other societal challenges related to sustainability and make a difference. For example, in the areas of health and healthcare, education, agriculture and food, the technical industry, the built environment, safety, peace and justice, and climate. In a separate workstream, we will explore the important opportunities for AI and sustainability in the Netherlands in the coming period.

(Source: https://nlaic.com)

In East Netherlands, companies, knowledge institutions, and governments collaborate to accelerate the energy transition through innovations. The focus is on decentralized energy generation and storage solutions. AI technology plays a role in reducing significant investments in energy grids, optimizing energy supply security, and developing solutions that require less energy (Green IT and Sustainable Industries).

In East Netherlands, we work on the following ecosystems: · Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency · Smart Energy

We develop projects with entrepreneurs in Gelderland and Overijssel around themes such as Digitalization of energy grids (Smart Grids), Green IT, Sustainable Industries (energy and resource consumption), and (secure) data sharing.

For the Energy & AI domain, the coordination is carried out by Radboud University, University of Twente, and the energy research groups of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and HAN University of Applied Sciences. Our partners include organizations such as Kema Labs, Tennet, and Alliander, and initiatives like Connectr and kiEMT foundation. We invest in activities and technology companies that have crossovers with the energy sector. Important (testing) locations in this area are Arnhems Buiten and IPKW (Arnhem).

An interesting project in this field is Smart Energy Hubs, an initiative by the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland, and Oost NL. Realizing 10 Smart Energy Hubs in East Netherlands | Oost NL.

ICAI is the Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence. An ICAI Lab is a research collaboration between one or more industrial, governmental, or non-profit partner(s) and one or more knowledge institution(s). ICAI labs focus on AI technology, are outward-looking, and aimed at knowledge transfer. Within an ICAI lab, at least 5 PhD candidates conduct research within an overarching topic. At Radboud University and Radboudumc, the following ICAI Lab is established within the theme of Energy: AI for Energy Grids Lab.