1. Decentralised energy transition: The grid is increasingly dependent on variable sources. Traditional centralised planning is no longer sufficient for millions of decentralised generators. AI-driven forecasting and balancing are becoming operationally essential.
2. AI-driven energy trading: Volatile markets require real-time bidding strategies. Energy companies without AI capability lose market share to competitors trading algorithmically — but this requires governance-grade explainability.
3. Site selection complexity: Optimal locations for wind and solar farms require complex analysis of weather patterns, land use, grid capacity, and the permitting landscape. AI significantly accelerates this process.
4. Energy demand from AI: AI data centres create exponential energy demand that puts your own climate targets under pressure. The resurgence of natural gas as baseload is a reputational risk that requires governance.