Digitalisation

Industrial symbiosis (IS) promotes sustainability via resource-sharing among firms, yet faces challenges in implementation due to economic, regulatory, and technological barriers. Future success depends on innovation, policy support, and cross-sector collaboration to overcome these hurdles.

The CORALIS project examines data exchange in industrial symbiosis networks, identifying lack of standardization and proposing a structured communication framework to improve trust, efficiency, and innovation for sustainable industrial practices.

European industries use digital tools for energy efficiency, as per a report with nine case studies, highlighting big data, AI for maintenance, demand response programs, collaboration importance, addressing high costs, and skill gaps, offering guidance for integrating technologies and fostering innovation for sustainability.

The IEA's Global Conference on Energy and AI highlighted the reciprocal relationship between both fields, focusing on AI's role in optimizing energy use and enhancing renewable energy adoption, while also acknowledging AI's growing energy demands. Key discussions addressed electricity consumption by data centers, advancements in battery tech, smart grid optimization, predictive capabilities for natural disasters, and international perspectives from companies and governments on AI-driven energy strategies. The IEA stressed its commitment to providing actionable data and fostering stakeholder dialogue to align AI with energy system realities, and announced a comprehensive energy-AI report for 2025.

The Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership, with $30 billion from Microsoft, BlackRock, and others, aims to build AI data centers and related energy infrastructure, addressing the high energy demands of AI. Other initiatives like Google's AI Opportunity Fund and IndiaAI Mission support AI infrastructure development, focusing on sustainability and international cooperation to ensure global economic and technological advancement.

The paper highlights the revolution of motor systems through digital technologies enhancing efficiency, despite challenges such as lack of standardization and cybersecurity risks. Innovations include smart sensors, IoT, and AI-driven analytics, with case studies showing significant energy savings. Opportunities exist for professionals in data science and cybersecurity.

The 4E TCP report demonstrates how digital solutions in industrial motor systems enhance energy efficiency, with case studies showing benefits like reduced electricity consumption, improved operational flexibility, and lower maintenance costs. Advanced control systems, real-time data monitoring, and IoT technologies lead to significant energy and CO2 savings across various sectors, despite initial investment and implementation challenges.

The European Union is advancing the digitalization of its energy infrastructure through 10 key initiatives that address data interoperability, grid management, cybersecurity, energy efficiency, and consumer empowerment to support its 2030 and 2050 climate goals. These initiatives aim to create an integrated, sustainable energy system that incorporates renewable energy and encourages innovation, while grappling with standardization and fast-paced digital innovation challenges.

The EU's AI Act introduces a risk-based AI regulation system, banning high-risk practices and enforcing strict requirements for market placement. It includes obligations for both in-EU and foreign entities affecting EU citizens and establishes a governance framework for consistent application, promoting ethical and trustworthy AI development through detailed standards and best practice codes. Significant penalties ensure compliance, while tailored provisions support SME innovation, all impacting broad sectors, including energy, where AI-driven efficiencies require adherence to these new regulations.