BÆRUM — A recent report by DNV has highlighted the essential role of trust in artificial intelligence (AI) for accelerating the energy transition. Titled ‘AI insights: Rising to the challenge across the UK energy system,’ the report underscores the importance of overcoming industry-wide caution towards AI to unlock its full potential, according to a press release published on EuropaWire .

Based on interviews with senior representatives from prominent energy companies in the United Kingdom, including the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, EnQuest, National Gas, National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), and the Net Zero Technology Hub, the report identifies a prevalent sense of wariness surrounding the adoption of AI. Despite AI’s potential to drive innovation in energy supply chains, concerns regarding trust, data policies, and industry culture remain significant barriers to its widespread adoption.

Hari Vamadevan, Executive Vice President and Regional Director UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV, emphasized the importance of establishing trust in AI technologies. He stated, “To truly harness the benefits of AI in the energy sector, it’s critical this technology is trusted. There are two main challenges in achieving this: information to evaluate the trustworthiness of an AI system, and communication, to relay evidence which allows users to trust the systems.”

DNV, with its extensive experience in AI, has developed recommended practices for AI-enabled systems, ensuring their trustworthiness and responsible management throughout their lifecycle. However, the report also highlights cybersecurity risks associated with the proliferation of AI in the energy sector.

Shaun Reardon, Head of Section, Industrial Systems, Cyber Security at DNV, emphasized the need for digital technologies, including AI, to be secure. He stated, “Accurate, accessible, reliable, and relevant – digital technologies and AI tools must be all these things if we are to trust them. But they must also be secure.”

As the energy sector increasingly relies on digitally connected infrastructure, managing cybersecurity risks becomes paramount to building trust in the security of these vital technologies. The DNV report underscores the importance of addressing trust and cybersecurity concerns to fully leverage AI’s potential in driving the energy transition forward.