Nordic countries show that AI can speed up the energy transition via smart networks, optimized data centers and a sustainable and circular approach.
While the energy transition becomes a global imperative, the example of Nordic countries offers precious teachings. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland show that an ambitious transformation is possible, by combining technological innovation, a political vision and a very collaborative approach to environmental management.
At the forefront of the energy transition, these nations produce more than 75 % of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind energy, hydroelectricity and bioenergy, according to the International Energy Agency. Their success is not based solely on abundant natural resources, but on a clear desire to build a lasting future, in particular by focusing on a strategic technological lever: artificial intelligence (IA).
Northern countries: a step ahead of renewable energies
Admittedly, the success of Nordic countries in renewable energies is based on a successful alchemy between an advantageous geography but, above all, on daring and innovative strategies. Norway produces more than 90 % of its electricity thanks to hydroelectricity, taking full advantage of its vast network of rivers and natural tanks. Denmark, on the other hand, has established itself as a world pioneer in wind energy, generating more than half of its electricity thanks to this source. In Sweden and Finland, biomass constitutes more than 60 % of renewable energy production, thus helping to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
These advances – possible thanks to the integration of intelligent technologies, such as modern electrical networks such as “smart grid” and decentralized energy systems favoring “prosumers” (prospective, which produce and consume electricity) – show how various energy sources, associated with technologies focused on efficiency, predictive maintenance, contributing to Reduce the ecological footprint of human activity.
Improve forecasts for renewable energy
Artificial intelligence deeply transforms the energy sector. It makes it possible to analyze and correlate in real time of massive volumes of data – in particular those meteorological or telemetry/sensors, fundamental for example for wind or solar – it contributes to guarantee the dynamic balancing of production and the network with great precision. The AI incorporates complex variables, such as weather data, consumption flows, installation performance, crisis management or large -scale decarbonation objectives to allow better adequacy between supply and energy demand.
According to Grand View Research, the global AI market applied to energy should grow 30 % per year by 2030, reaching $ 54 billion. A dynamic that reflects the urgency for companies to adopt innovative solutions to meet environmental challenges.
Optimize infrastructure: from data to data centers
The “smart grids” – intelligent electronic networks that optimize production, MCO, distribution and consumption – already make it possible to identify and correct energy ineffectures. Thanks to AI, this capacity becomes proactive: detection of anomalies, dynamic consumption adjustment, strengthening resilience in the face of demand peaks or climate disturbances.
In data centers – which are at the heart of our digital economy – this revolution is also underway. The workloads linked to AI are particularly energy delicious. This is why “Rightsizing”, which consists in optimizing the use of resources in real time, becomes essential. In Sweden, for example, some data centers using AI systems to intelligently distribute workloads reduced their energy consumption by 40 %, according to the Uptime Institute. This approach not only reduces energy waste, but also establishes a new reference in terms of sustainable innovation in the technological industry.
The Innovative Astro Concept of Dell Technologies incorporates several principles of “digital twin / digital twin” It analyzes and corrèle in real time of large amounts of data from IT infrastructure (operational, energy data, etc.) then optimizes in real time the use of digital infrastructure to maximize energy efficiency, significantly reduce the carbon footprint of datacenters and prepare towards more sustainable systems.
Towards a digital circular economy: think AI beyond performance
If AI accelerates innovation, it also contributes to faster technological obsolescence. New systems require ever more efficient equipment, relegating previous generations to the Rebut. This dynamic fueling the already worrying flow of electronic waste and calls into question the efforts of sustainable development, because companies and individuals frequently replace the walking devices to follow developments in technological progress.
To meet these challenges, it is essential to integrate innovative cooling technologies, such as Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), capable of effectively managing the important thermal loads generated by current and future GPUs. At the same time, the adoption of the principles of the circular economy in the design of technological products is crucial. This includes modularity, repairability, reuse and recycling of equipment. Associated with more flexible consumption models – such as payment for use or recovery programs – these practices allow performance, accessibility and environmental responsibility.
Rethink a lasting future thanks to AI
The experience of the Nordic countries shows that a sustainable energy model is not a utopia, but an ambition feasible. This model must inspire France and the rest of Europe, based on a collaborative dynamic bringing together public actors, businesses and citizens.
Immersive, self-adaptive and predictive technologies, such as “increased digital twins” by GEN AI redesigned in SLM (Short Language Models) specialized and distributed on Edge Computing, bring artificial intelligence closer to energy production sites. This work approach as close as possible to the point of creation of the data allows an analysis of the data in real time, optimizing costs, reducing the environmental impact and maximizing the impact of initiatives in favor of renewable energies.
Today, artificial intelligence is essential as an essential lever to rethink our infrastructure, strengthen energy resilience and inscribe innovation in an aligned trajectory with the principles of sustainability without compromise on safety / cyber security of energy production and distribution sites.
