How is E.ON using technology and artificial intelligence to advance the energy transition?

Interview with Dr. Victoria Osadnik, Member of the Board of Directors (COO) – E.ON

Power transformation requires some adjustments. What role does technology play in this process?
Our energy system is becoming increasingly complex. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy results in more volatile energy production. At the same time, energy consumption is increasing due to the increasing use of electricity in many areas, such as the increase in electric cars and heat pumps. This makes energy demand less predictable and dramatically increases the need for green energy. To meet growing demand, we must simultaneously increase renewable energy production and expand energy infrastructure. This will only be possible through the continuous use of modern technology. Digitization of all components of the energy system is essential to manage energy resources efficiently and sustainably. As one of the largest European grid operators, we are actively driving digital transformation forward and committed to making the energy transition a success.

What is the impact of artificial intelligence in this process?
The increasing use of AI at the company level provides us with great opportunities. The use of data and algorithms helps us adapt our energy infrastructure to the new demands of the energy transition, simplify interactions with customers and increase overall company efficiency. We have made significant investments over the past five years to build knowledge, talent and technology in this area. We are constantly reviewing where we can apply AI.

In which regions is E.ON already using AI?
One example is our ectogrid™ system in Sweden. This system uses a low-temperature network where heat pumps and chillers regulate the temperature in each building as needed. Artificial intelligence constantly analyzes and optimizes thermal energy flows, exchanging excess heat or cold between buildings. This reduces energy consumption by up to 60 percent.

Another example is that our network companies use drones for various applications that capture millions of images. We are already using AI-based software to identify mast components in these scan images. The AI ​​then assesses whether a component is defective.

What areas of application can be envisaged in the future?
One potential AI solution is an innovation we call “vehicle-to-grid.” This idea is currently being trialled in England and Germany and takes advantage of the bi-directional charging capability of electric vehicles. In contrast to traditional electric cars, which only draw electricity from the grid, this technology also allows vehicles to feed electricity back into the grid and thus act as a flexible energy store. Using artificial intelligence, the flow of energy between vehicles and the power grid is intelligently controlled. Electric vehicles will become an integral part of the power grid by feeding power during times of high demand or low renewable energy production, helping to stabilize the power grid. This reduces the need for additional, often less sustainable, energy infrastructure.