EU ponders over digitalisation of energy sector and Artificial Intelligence strategy

EU Commission Launches Consultation on Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in Energy Sector

The European Union Commission has taken a significant step towards a greener and more digital future by launching a public consultation on its strategic roadmap for digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the energy sector. This roadmap is part of the EU's 'Affordable Energy Action Plan' and aims to accelerate the rollout of digital solutions, including European AI solutions, in key areas for the decarbonisation process.

The strategic roadmap focuses on several crucial areas: electricity grid optimisation, energy efficiency in buildings and industry, and demand-side flexibility. By addressing these aspects, the EU hopes to create a more efficient and sustainable energy system.

This roadmap complements multiple initiatives announced in the AI field, such as the AI Act and the AI Continent Action Plan. The Commission is particularly interested in implementing safeguards to mitigate potential challenges linked to the large-scale deployment of AI solutions in the energy sector.

The Commission is holding targeted consultations through dedicated workshops with stakeholders from the digital and energy fields. These workshops, organised by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, are designed to gather insights and ideas from various perspectives.

Both consultations will remain open for 14 weeks and will close on 5 November 2025. The EU Commission encourages all interested parties to participate and share their thoughts on this important matter.

The Commission emphasises that the green and digital transitions should support each other. In this regard, the strategic roadmap also considers the increasingly heavy energy consumption of data centres. The EU Commission is looking at ways to more sustainably integrate these energy-intensive facilities into the energy system.

The strategic roadmap is due for publication in the first quarter of 2026. This roadmap seeks to further foster research, innovation, and coordination in the fields of digitalisation and AI in the energy sector, paving the way for a greener and more efficient future.

EU ponders over digitalisation of energy sector and Artificial Intelligence strategy