The European Commission has taken a significant step to address the impact of digital technologies on the energy sector. As part of the European Technological Sovereignty Package, the Commission has published a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy. The initiative comes as our energy systems grow more dependent on digitalisation, just as rising prices and geopolitical challenges put pressure on both industrial competitiveness and the purchasing power of businesses and households. Tech sovereignty in the energy sector is therefore more urgent than ever as it means strengthening the autonomy of the EU’s energy sector while protecting it from vulnerabilities.
Strategic roadmap for digitalisation and AI in energy
The roadmap addresses the increasing energy demand of digital infrastructure and outlines how AI can support a clean, competitive and secure EU energy system. Digital solutions can help consumers shift consumption to hours when electricity is cheaper and thereby lower their energy bills. Demand-side flexibility could directly reduce electricity costs for EU consumers by more than €71 billion per year, which equals a 64% reduction in electricity consumption costs. For industry, digitalisation can improve efficiency and make it easier to respond to price signals and thereby also reduce energy costs. AI-based operation and maintenance optimisation could save up to €94 billion ($110 billion) annually by 2035. Digital solutions integrated into the electricity grid can provide real-time visibility, interoperability and control, as it integrates more renewables.
The roadmap is structured around 3 pillars
- data centres are integrated in the energy system in a sustainable and transparent manner, through structured dialogue and commitments by energy-related stakeholders, data centre operators and public authorities, framed by tripartite agreements based on EU best practices
- it will also aim at accelerating the uptake of digital and AI solutions, including improving grid-enhancing technologies, and a faster rollout of smart meters
- it will help build a framework for sharing data across EU borders, ensuring secure and efficient cross-border collaboration
These pillars are complemented by actions addressing the need for trust in AI solutions, stronger cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructure, tailored digital skills needed in the energy industry and international cooperation.
Next steps
Today, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will witness the signature of a declaration of intent by 14 EU industry associations from energy and data centre domains stating the willingness of the industry stakeholders to cooperate in the framework of a tripartite agreement, and identifying key areas for their action. He will also launch a Community of Practice for developing AI models for grid management and planning (the AI.grids project agreement).
