OECD Technology Foresight Forum: Smart Energy Systems and Networks

In May 2022, the OECD brought together leading minds and varying perspectives on creating smart energy systems for a sustainable future.

This Technology Foresight Forum (TFF), organised jointly by CISP and AIGO, analysed the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and efficient energy systems and its implications for communication infrastructure policy.

Namely, it covered the policy opportunities and challenges presented by AI-enabled energy systems and the underlying connectivity that helps countries leverage the “twin transitions” (i.e. “digital” and “green” transitions) in support of their climate goals. The twin transitions of digital transformation and environmental sustainability represent a central opportunity to leverage digital transformation for a green future.

The Forum brought together leading voices on the topic, from communication infrastructure and energy system operators to innovative companies working on smart grids and digital twins. It provided an overview of the state of clean energy systems and examples of enabling technologies that support energy resilience while sharing best practices from across jurisdictions. 

AGENDA

  • 10:00-10:10 

Item 1. Welcome to delegates 

The Deputy Director of STI, Mr Dirk Pilat, welcomed Forum participants, delegates, and panellists to the joint CISP- AIGO Technology Foresight Forum on “Smart Energy Systems and Networks” and set the scene for the discussion. 

  • 10:10-10:20 

Item 2. Update from the OECD Secretariat on the sustainability challenges and opportunities of AI compute and connectivity 

The OECD Secretariat presented updates on the findings of the OECD.AI Expert Group on AI Compute and Climate on measuring the environmental impacts of AI compute, and a short overview of the role of broadband connectivity in ensuring environmental sustainability. 

  • 10:20-11:25 

Item 3. Panel discussion on “AI systems, energy systems and connectivity solutions: Towards a sustainable future” 

Moderation by OECD Secretariat Ms. Audrey Plonk, Head of Division, Digital Economy Policy

Panellists: 

  • Ms. Lara Connaughton, Sustainability Lead at the Irish Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg); 
  • Mr. Marc-André Forget, CEO and Founder of dcbel; 
  • Mr. Heedae Kim, Director of Digital Transformation of Daegu’s Technopark, a smart city in Korea; 
  • Mr. Michel Morvan, Executive Chairman and Co-founder Cosmo Tech; 
  • Ms. Mabel Pous Fenollar, Head of IoT Connectivity, Vodafone; 
  • Mr. Ken Ueno, Research Fellow, System AI Lab, Research Centre for Intelligent Systems, Toshiba. 
  • 11:25-11:40 

Item 4. Q&A from delegates from both Working Parties 

The Chair of the WPCISP moderated the session of Questions and Answers (Q&A) of the panel and will open the floor to questions from delegates. 

  • 11:40-11:45 

Item 5. Concluding remarks 

The Chair of the WPAIGO provided closing remarks reflecting upon the main takeaways of the Technology Foresight Forum as well as potential future work on this topic.