The DSR Network AI, Energy and Climate: Damilola Ogunbiyi: AI, Energy Access and the Digital Divide
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May 12, 2025 
Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and a key UN figure recognized by Time Magazine, shares valuable insights on tackling energy poverty. She highlights the dire situation of over a billion people lacking access to electricity. The conversation dives into AI’s potential to bridge the energy access divide, while also cautioning against the risk of a new digital divide. Ogunbiyi advocates for decentralized energy solutions and emphasizes the need for equitable policies to ensure gains in AI also benefit the Global South.
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AI's Dual Impact on Energy
- AI has a dual role: predicting energy needs and determining the much higher energy demand AI itself creates.
- Ensuring AI grows sustainably means powering it with carbon-free energy to avoid worsening inequalities.
AI Powers Energy Planning in Nigeria
- Damilola Ogunbiyi shared using AI in Nigeria to predict energy needs for 19 million people with an eye on future demand.
- She explained AI helps understand energy affordability and spending habits, improving efficiency and investment impact.
Continuous AI Training Essential
- Training must be continuous and involve government and private sector to fully embed AI and energy transition skills.
- Leaders should also keep learning to provide effective guidance and adapt to fast AI changes.