AI, Energy and Climate Podcast Damilola Ogunbiyi: AI, Energy Access and the Digital Divide
May 12, 2025
Damilola Ogunbiyi, a prominent UN official and CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, tackles pressing issues around energy poverty and AI. She discusses how AI could potentially alleviate energy access challenges while cautioning against the risk of a widening digital divide, particularly for nations in the Global South. Ogunbiyi emphasizes innovative solutions in Nigeria that connect energy access to gender equality and underlines the importance of local data collaboration. Her insights spotlight the need for equitable energy solutions in the face of a changing climate.
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Personal Drive for Energy Access
- Damilola Ogunbiyi was inspired by Nigeria's energy access issues affecting over 40% of the population.
- She connects energy access to dignity and poverty alleviation, emphasizing gender inclusion and clean decentralized energy.
AI's Dual Role in Energy Access
- AI can predict energy needs, financial requirements, and help accelerate energy access.
- It also raises concerns over increased energy demand and risks worsening inequality if not managed properly.
AI Applications in Energy Planning
- Early work in Nigeria used AI-like predictive tools to forecast energy needs and affordability for 90 million people.
- SEforALL employs AI for investment planning, integrated energy plans, and carbon-free electricity modeling with partners like IBM and Google.