For Microsoft, AI is an ‘unlock’ for decarbonization
Nov 7, 2023
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Microsoft's integration of OpenAI's LLM into its Azure cloud services and the impact of AI on every industry. The role of AI in utilities and its accessibility. Microsoft's use of AI technology in various applications. The importance of clean energy adoption and the Derm platform. The significance of data for utilities and AI. The use of AI in cloud-based platforms for weather and wildfire prediction.
38:04
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Quick takeaways
Utilities can benefit from AI integration for back-office operations and customer support, leading to enhanced focus and efficiency.
Microsoft's AI tools, such as large language models and generative AI, enable utilities to improve data analysis, forecasting, and customer service.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Slow Sales Cycles in Utilities
Hannah Green discusses the slow sales cycles and integration processes that vendors face when working with utilities on new technology. This delay in adoption hinders progress towards climate goals and the decarbonization of the grid. Hannah emphasizes the need to change the way utility teams operate and to prioritize technology to accelerate progress.
Microsoft's Role in AI and Decarbonization
Hannah Green highlights Microsoft's position as a technology partner for utilities and its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate tech adoption and decarbonization efforts. Microsoft is leveraging AI tools, such as large language models and generative AI, to provide solutions in areas like semantic search, code generation, and content generation, enabling utilities to improve data analysis, forecasting, and customer service.
Specific Use Cases: Regulatory Summarization and Methane Detection
Hannah Green showcases specific AI use cases. One example is how Microsoft's AI platform, Edison GPT, is helping Southern California Edison streamline regulatory data hunting and summarization, saving significant time and providing faster access to information. Another use case involves using AI to detect and prevent methane leaks in the oil and gas industry and the power and utility space, improving the efficiency and accuracy of leak detection and mitigation.
Utility Transformation and Future Vision
Hannah Green discusses the transformation of utilities into digital companies and emphasizes the importance of harnessing AI and technology partnerships to drive innovation. She highlights the need to focus on scale, repeatability, and collaboration to accelerate progress towards clean energy goals. Furthermore, she addresses the energy intensity of AI, Microsoft's commitment to carbon neutrality, and the company's vision for a sustainable future.
Microsoft was an early mover in integrating OpenAI’s LLM into its Azure cloud services. And now every part of Microsoft’s technology stack — from cloud infrastructure to data analytics to consumer apps — will be “reimagined” for the AI era, said Nadella. As a result, every industry will inevitably be impacted by AI.
Utilities will also find themselves at the center of this shift, even if most aren’t yet actively investing in AI for grid management. Generative AI will increasingly start to influence back-office operations and customer support inside utilities for “focus and efficiency,” explained Microsoft’s Hanna Grene, on stage at Latitude Media’s Transition-AI: New York conference.
This week, we feature a conversation from our Transition-AI conference with Hanna. We talk with her about how large language models and other forms of artificial intelligence are making their way inside utilities – and why AI isn't as intimidating as it seems.
This episode of Carbon Copy is brought to you by the Energy Show, hosted by Barry Cinnamon. Questioning if that cool new product or service really pencils out for customers? Curious about customer adoption of IRA policies? Wondering how the grid can keep up with home electrification? For the real-world scoop on clean energy technologies with a focus on the customer perspective, don’t miss the Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz.
The Carbon Copy is supported by FischTank PR, a specialized climatetech PR firm dedicated to bringing meaningful results for companies in sectors spanning grid edge, solar, energy storage, battery, EVs, alternative fuels, VC and green building. FischTank helps clients stand out in an increasingly competitive and noisy space. Visit FischTank PR to learn more.
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