inergy

I-NERGY Exploitation Perspectives

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions have found a diverse array of applications within the dynamic energy sector. Market analysis of AI solutions within this sector underscores the escalating demand for AI technology. This demand is primarily fueled by the pressing need to enhance operational efficiency, drive cost reductions, and boost overall productivity. As the energy sector evolves, embracing innovation and adopting new technologies, the utilization of AI is anticipated to surge in the foreseeable future.

The I-NERGY project is at the forefront of this transformation. It stands as a testament to the tangible benefits that data-driven AI services can bring to the energy value chain. Specifically designed to cater to the intricate requirements of this industry, the I-NERGY project aims to empower energy businesses, regulated operators overseeing energy distribution as a public service, energy consumers, and society at large. It accomplishes this by delivering substantial gains in operational efficiency. Furthermore, the project contributes significantly to several pivotal objectives:

  1. Integration of a higher proportion of renewable energy sources.
  2. Reduction of the environmental footprint associated with energy value chain activities.
  3. Mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change.
  4. Facilitation of social cohesion within local communities.
  5. Creation of a conducive environment for the emergence of new 'green' job opportunities.

The comprehensive suite of I-NERGY analytics services is concreatly implemented, demonstrated, and validated across nine pilot hubs. These hubs encompass the development of 15 distinct Use Cases (UCs), two cutting-edge test-bed facilities, and the deployment of Digital Twins, all spanning eight different countries. This geographic diversity ensures the replicability of AI-driven solutions on a pan-European scale, thus maximizing the impact of I-NERGY services across the continent.

Examining the perspectives and domains covered by the I-NERGY project pilots and their corresponding Use Cases, it is reasonable to foresee the realization of at least nine distinct value propositions (figure below):

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I-DER Services for Buildings: Offering predictive energy demand optimization services based on weather and customer data, catering to ESCOs, facility managers, and energy-conscious homeowners.

I-DER Services for Districts: Providing AI-based support for energy decisions and peer-to-peer energy trading, with a focus on DSOs, e-mobility providers, retailers, and charging station operators.

I-DER Services for Territories: Offering predictive maintenance models for PV plants and AI-based tools for renewable energy equipment maintenance, aimed at investors and asset managers.

I-NET Services for Buildings: Targeting ESCOs, facility managers, and citizens/prosumers interested in energy flexibility management, with AI services and tools based on energy demand and weather forecasting.

I-NET Services for Districts: Enhancing energy supply management for TSOs and DSOs, offering AI-based fault analysis, classification services, and predictive solutions for asset monitoring.

I-NET Services for Territories: Delivering real-time load forecasts to TSOs, improving planning activities and decision-making through more accurate energy forecasting.

I-ENEF Services for Buildings: Supporting energy efficiency and leveraging energy data for various applications, including refurbishment solutions, personal safety, and ambient assisted living, primarily targeting facility managers, home security providers, and ESCOs.

I-ENEF Services for Districts: Providing tools for cost assessment of energy efficiency and climate adaptation investments, energy consumption modelling, and energy-saving insights, aimed at energy departments and operational planners.

I-ENEF Services for Territories: Offering support tools for energy efficiency cost assessment, AI-based decision support for Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs), and enhanced RES and energy management at the territorial level. Main customers include Public Administrations, policy makers, and regional energy agencies dedicated to promoting renewable resources.

In a nutshell, leveraging on its achievements, the I-NERGY project aims at innovating, driving efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth in the European energy sector by harnessing the power of AI.