Artificial Intelligence for Energy

The Department of Energy is committed to building an abundant, secure, and resilient energy future for the nation. This requires an upgrade of our energy systems—from how we generate and store energy to how we deliver it to consumers. AI is an essential tool to navigate the complexities of this transition, accelerating innovation and improving efficiency and reliability. DOE is at the forefront of applying AI to address key challenges across the energy sector: 

• Modernizing the Grid: Our nation's energy grid is aging and increasingly complex, with the integration of renewable resources creating new challenges for stability and reliability. AI-powered predictive tools are helping anticipate and mitigate grid disruptions caused by extreme weather or cyberattacks, improving resilience and ensuring a consistent power supply. AI is also optimizing grid operations for cost-effectiveness and minimizing the impact of variability in renewable energy generation. This includes using AI to improve load forecasting and state estimation, even with limited or missing data. 
• Accelerating Energy Innovation: The development of new energy technologies, such as advanced solar photovoltaics, next-generation batteries, and sustainable biofuels, is crucial for meeting our energy goals. AI is accelerating the discovery and development of innovative materials and designs, optimizing manufacturing processes, and reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new technologies to market. This includes the co-design of materials and components, considering system-level requirements for grid integration and lifecycle performance. 
• Improving Energy Efficiency: AI-driven solutions are enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industrial processes. This includes AI-powered control systems for buildings that optimize energy consumption and AI-driven design optimization for more efficient vehicles and engines. 

DOE is also developing AI tools to improve the way energy projects are sited and permitted at the Federal, state, and local levels. DOE's voltAIc Initiative is developing AI tools to improve federal, state, and local permitting processes, including the PolicyAI project at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. PolicyAI has released a comprehensive dataset of federal environmental impact statements and created a generative AI testbed for environmental review AI development.  The initiative aims to assist understaffed local permitting departments with AI-powered tools, supporting faster energy infrastructure deployment.