THE EDIT
Your monthly briefing on the journey to fossil freedom
Issue #21, AI and the energy transition, March 2025
Photo: Adobe Stock
AI meets magma – helping us reach the hottest places on Earth
What to know: Engineers are closer than ever to tapping into one of the most powerful renewable energy sources on Earth – geothermal energy extracted directly from magma chambers of volcanoes. A magma-powered plant could generate up to ten times more energy than more shallow geothermal sources.
Why it matters: Geothermal power has long been overshadowed by wind and solar. With AI enhancing exploration, optimising extraction and reducing costs, geothermal energy can be a crucial tool in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Photo: Martin Danielsson
Spot the robot does high-risk jobs at nuclear power plant
Artificial intelligence is transforming the energy industry in a number of ways. In Germany, AI is used to study drone pictures of dams to find early signs of crack formation in concrete. At Swedish nuclear power plant Forsmark, a robot dog named Spot can perform tasks in areas where people cannot go, and very soon it may get human-like robot colleagues. “AI will be of great benefit to the efficiency of operations and thus also contribute to the green transition,” says Dag Wästlund, engineer at Vattenfall R&D.
According to the report Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate the Energy Transition, presented during the World Economic Forum's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings, AI-driven energy efficiency measures and smart grid technologies have the potential to create up to USD 1.3 trillion in economic value by 2030.
AI drones take offshore maintenance to new heights
Photo: Ampelmann
AI-driven drones are transforming offshore wind energy by enhancing efficiency, safety and sustainability. These autonomous machines inspect turbines, transport materials and conduct underwater surveys, reducing costs and emissions. With advanced AI and machine learning, they predict maintenance needs, optimise performance and minimise risks – making wind farms operate more efficiently than ever.
News flash
3 x quick updates from the energy world
Welcome to Freedome
During an event last year at Stockholm Central Station, commuters were invited to create their own visions of what a fossil-free future might look like, in a interactive virtual reality dome called Freedome. Like to try? Click here to enter.
Clean tech driving energy demand
China’s electricity demand is soaring, fueled by clean tech production like solar panels and batteries. In 2024, these industrial sectors consumed more than 300 TWh of electricity – as much as Italy uses in a year. (iea.com)
A gift and a curse
The World Economic Forum 2025 has been looking into the future of AI and energy consumption. Among the conclusions: data centers will increase energy demand, but AI will also be a help in reducing energy use. (weforum.org).
And finally …
Stay digitally sober – open the fridge!
Are you aware of how much energy you're using with ChatGPT? Estimates vary, but it's undeniably a lot. Voices are now advocating a more mindful approach – not against AI, but in favour of 'digital sobriety'. Sasha Luccioni, lead climate researcher supporting the ethical use of artificial intelligence collaborative, explains to Vox.com: 'Ask yourself: Do I need to talk to my fridge or can I just, you know, open the door and look inside?’
