How can artificial intelligence contribute to a smarter and more sustainable energy system without losing sight of societal values? That is the question the new AI4ES project, led by the University of Twente, is addressing. Within the project, researchers, companies, and public partners are collaborating on frameworks and practical tools for the responsible use of AI in the energy sector.

Central to the project is the so-called ELSA lab (Ethical, Legal and Societal impact Analysis – AI FOR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY (AI4ES)). This is not a physical laboratory, but an environment in which researchers and stakeholders regularly come together to discuss current issues surrounding AI and energy. From ethical, legal, and societal perspectives, practical cases are analysed and translated into new insights, tools, and best practices.

Sandbox for complex issues

The lab functions as a kind of sandbox for complex issues, for example around regulation, governance, and the societal impact of AI applications in the digitalisation of (decentralised) energy grids. By combining knowledge from different disciplines, a framework for responsible AI use in controlling and optimising energy systems and policy is gradually being developed.

“On and around the Electricity Campus, we directly connect AI technology to real energy challenges. This gives ambitious AI startups the opportunity to test scalable solutions with partners from across the entire chain, from data centres to smart grids. In this way, we accelerate the energy transition — safely, fairly, and economically viable.”
Chris Willemsen, programme manager AI-hub Oost-Nederland.

Strong consortium

The consortium consists of researchers from the University of Twente and JADS (Jheronimus Academy of Data Science), together with partners such as KPN, Enexis, Eurofiber, and AI-hub Oost-Nederland. In addition, various organisations contribute as co-financiers or supporters, including Coolgradient, Endona Energy Cooperative, Elferink & Kortier Advocaten, &Flux, FME, NLdigital, Electricity Campus, Brainport Development, and Stadtwerke Gronau GmbH.

Within the initiative, Oost NL, AI-hub Oost-Nederland, the Electricity Campus, and Connectr – Energy Innovation jointly participate as project partners and co-financiers. The Electricity Campus acts as host of the Shared Lab Facilities event, where AI frontrunners from the network are connected to the lab.

The collaboration aligns with the strong position of Eastern Netherlands in the field of electrification and energy innovation. At the same time, the importance of AI is growing rapidly, both in optimising energy grids and in developing new smart energy services and economic applications. By combining technological innovation with ethical, legal, and societal insights, AI4ES aims to contribute to an energy system that is not only smarter, but also responsible and broadly supported by society.

Would you like to learn more about this new ELSA lab? Then join Shared Lab Facilities on 19 May during Arnhem Electricity Week, where Thomas Hoppe will give a presentation about the project.