AI AND ENERGY JUSTICE

MEREL NOORMAN

Biography
Merel’s research interests include the governance and regulation of AI and robotics, with a particular focus on the responsible development and use of complex intelligent technologies. In her current work she explores the relations between AI and democracy. She studied AI and science & technology at the University of Amsterdam and Edinburgh University and received her PhD from Maastricht University. Since then, she has co-initiated and worked on various research projects in the U.S. and the Netherlands, funded by the National Science Foundation, NWO-MVI, and the EU 5th framework program, looking at the ethical and social aspects of complex and intelligent computer technologies. She has also worked as advisor for the Dutch Council for Social Development (Raad voor Maatschappelijke Ontwikkeling) and was managing director for the software company VicarVision.

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques are increasingly used to address the challenges of the energy transition. Such challenges include the integration of renewable and more volatile energy sources as well as the increased demands on the limited network capacity due to the growing electrification. AI techniques may offer promising solutions, but they also raise multiple concerns. One key concern is how AI will affect energy justice. This talk will look at what the energy justice implications are of the use of AI in smart electricity systems and what these implications mean for the design and regulation of these technologies.