Digitalization contributes directly to sustainability by transcending physical boundaries. The United Nations’ 7th Sustainable Development Goal, established in 2015, aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Digitalization plays a critical role in achieving this goal; digital technologies enhance the efficiency of energy systems and accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources, thus contributing directly to sustainable energy management. Digital technologies support more efficient use of energy resources, reduction of carbon emissions, and integration of renewable energy sources, minimizing environmental impacts. Additionally, the data analysis and automation capabilities brought by digitalization enable more effective management of energy demand and supply balances. Particularly, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics optimize energy processes, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability.
Our intern, Pelin İzci, in this article, explores how digitalization contributes to sustainability in the energy sector and discusses the role of technological advancements in its transformation.
In September 2024, a significant launch will take place for building a healthy planet under the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, along with the creation of the 2024 Global Report. This report will address Goal 7, calling for “ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.” Experts aim to identify challenges and opportunities in revitalizing actions towards fair and equitable societies in the energy sector through this launch. Discussions at this launch will focus on policy tools, information and data management, financial mechanisms, and urban platforms, aiming to take significant steps towards sustainable and modern energy solutions.
Most EU countries have prioritized digitalization within the smart energy sector under the 2019 European Green Deal, which is a progressive approach. As a result, the deployment of artificial intelligence has restructured the energy transformation in many parts of the world. Digital transformation through artificial intelligence has led to advancements in business performance, environmental sustainability, and increased interactivity.
Another contribution is the importance and practicality of artificial intelligence-based systems when the condition of reduced human resources, ethical concerns, and effective work are met. Innovative collaborations and exchanges between institutions and energy companies aim to bring innovative approaches and interactions to a more professional level in this sector. At the same time, the trend of increasing energy consumption awareness brought about by digitalization has clearly contributed to the vision of energy efficiency.
In the renewable energy sector, artificial intelligence plays a significant role in areas such as energy management, predictive analytics, and fault detection. Digitalization directly contributes to low carbon usage and holds critical importance in energy management. Artificial intelligence optimizes plant operations to reduce carbon footprint and minimize emissions. Consequently, it emerges as a reliable source for data reliability and transparency. In conclusion, technologies such as digitalization and artificial intelligence play a critical role in the renewable energy sector, making significant contributions to sustainability goals. These technologies enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and hold significant potential to meet future energy demands in a more sustainable manner. Big data analysis and automation make energy management more precise and efficient, helping to minimize environmental impacts. Digitalization, as part of both technological advancement and societal transformation, promotes fair and equitable transformation in the energy sector and lays essential groundwork for a sustainable future. Therefore, the expectation is that advanced technologies and collaborations will trigger broader transformation in the energy sector, marking a significant step towards a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable energy future.