Digitalisation

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.

The EU's AI Act introduces a risk-based framework for AI, mandating requirements for high-risk systems and enforcing compliance. It addresses AI's potential in energy optimization, while emphasizing fundamental rights, safety, and a human-centric approach, with the IEA highlighting AI's role in achieving sustainability goals.

The paper discusses the critical role of energy efficiency in food production, emphasizing the need for food manufacturers to adopt energy management practices to remain competitive and sustainable. It outlines the benefits of benchmarking and KPIs, the adoption of frameworks like ISO 50001, and the utilization of advanced monitoring, control systems, and ICT for improved energy performance. It also addresses barriers to implementation and strategies for overcoming these challenges.

EEIP's AI policy emphasizes transparency, ethical behavior, and data protection, aligning with EU guidelines to foster trust and drive responsible AI in the energy sector for sustainable, innovative solutions like CircularPSP and DMaaST, within regulatory compliance.

The paper outlines how food and beverage companies can use Energy Management Systems to cut costs, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability by using real-time data and predictive maintenance, bolstered by IoT and smart sensor technology.

Europe advances smart mobility, driven by sustainability and urbanization challenges. EU policies promote electric and autonomous transport, integrating innovations like IoT, MaaS, and AI. Case studies from Barcelona, Stockholm, and Amsterdam highlight smart solutions reshaping urban travel, setting global benchmarks.

The OneNet Project Final Event marked the culmination of efforts to reshape Europe's electricity system. Key topics included TSO-DSO coordination, market design, consumer engagement, and leveraging data for grid operations. The initiative aligns with EU interoperability objectives and promotes a sustainable, unified market.

CircularPSP, a consortium of eight European CE cities, is investing €5.64 million in CE R&D to expedite the circular practice adoption in municipalities and local businesses. The call for tender targets suppliers to create innovative CE solutions, with the bid deadline set for April 1, 2024.