AI for Net Zero and sustainability, and how to get involved

Digitalisation, decentralisation, and decarbonisation are transforming approaches to the design and operation of industry, business, and social systems across the globe. With many countries - including the UK - committing to increasing sustainability and achieving net zero emissions between 2050 to 2070, it can be argued that the role of science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to innovate an energy transition has never been more crucial than it is at the current time. However, with over 80% of the Worlds Energy in 2023 still being generated by fossil fuels, and well-documented UK and global shortages in digital and STEM workers, there are significant challenges on the road ahead. But with challenge comes opportunity, and in this talk, Professor Short will outline the crucial role of AI and digital technologies on the road to net zero – and importantly, how industry, research faculty, technical staff and students can get involved. Drawing upon experience built over twenty years of research, knowledge exchange and teaching in sustainable engineering and informatics, Prof Short will discuss the core skill gaps in key AI and engineering disciplines, and how informatics and mathematics are key enablers – alongside research and laboratory skills, digital skills, critical thinking, and adaptability – to creating the technology and workforce of the future. Examples will be drawn form new course content and new module creation to support upskilling in related areas, including solar technology and AI skills in the UK, Europe, India and Saudi Arabia. Moving on to research and innovation, Prof Short will draw on experience of delivering multiple funded projects in areas of AI for smart energy to illustrate the need for innovation and cross-sector collaboration in the Net Zero drive. Focusing upon smart grids, renewables integration and alternative fuels (which are all seen as key enablers of decarbonisation), examples of STEM innovation in Net Zero will be drawn from a variety of UK, European and wider research and innovation projects, including AI-based examples drawn from transportation, the built environment and industrial decarbonisation areas. Finally, the talk will outline some of the open issues and challenges in digitalisation, sustainability and Net Zero in both the UK and wider context, along with opportunities for further collaborative research, innovation, teaching and upskilling in digital and STEM areas.