In a keynote speech at the just-concluded 2024 Gennex Technologies Solar Colloquium in Lagos with the theme “Steering the Renewable Energy Future: Innovation, Sustainability, and Inclusive Growth”, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, spoke about the Transformative Role of AI in renewable energy and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the renewable energy sector, enhancing the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of clean energy systems. The future of renewable energy must be at the forefront and AI-driven innovations offer unprecedented opportunities to reshape the energy landscape, making it more efficient, reliable, and accessible.
Mrs. Toyin Ilo, Executive Director of Gennex Technologies, highlighted AI’s transformative impact on energy, calling it a pivotal tool for optimizing energy generation, distribution, and storage in Nigeria and globally. She emphasized how AI can enhance efficiency and reduce costs, accelerating progress towards clean energy goals. She also advocated for new financing approaches to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, emphasizing that financial barriers have long restricted access, particularly for small enterprises and individuals.
This innovative AI is currently transforming energy management by enabling real-time data analysis to improve energy forecasting, optimize grid operations, and balance supply and demand. Through advanced AI-driven algorithms, solar and wind farms can predict weather fluctuations, adjusting their output to match immediate energy needs, thus enhancing grid stability. AI expert Afeez Olajide commented on the advancements discussed at the Colloquium, underscoring how AI technology is transforming Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. Afeez, Principal Software Engineer at BT Group and the visionary behind the AI technology licensed to Codulab in 2017 to develop the British Broadcasting Corporations (BBC) NewsChatta, highlighted how AI-powered systems are transforming energy management. He explained that these solutions integrate decentralized energy sources, like rooftop solar panels, into smart grids, reducing energy waste and lowering costs for consumers.
In addition to technological advancements, the commissioner emphasized the importance of inclusive growth within the renewable sector. He advocated for policies that ensure equitable access to clean energy, particularly for rural and underserved communities, by investing in infrastructure and education. He highlighted the need to build a diverse workforce with skills in renewable energy and AI, encouraging women and marginalized groups to participate in this growing field. By fostering STEM education for girls and promoting diversity, this approach aims to create a resilient and innovative energy sector where all communities benefit from AI-driven renewable solutions.
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