Optit srl
Develop Decision Support Systems based on Operations Research, Mathematical Modelling, Machine and Deep Learning, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence.
ID: 186016745221-36
Lobbying Activity
Response to Roadmap for artificial intelligence and digitalisation for energy (RAID-E)
5 Nov 2025
This initiative is very positive, yet it seems solely focused on the electric system. Although electrification is a key phenomenon, a systemic, multi-energy perspective has to be taken into account, most importantly considering that heating and cooling which accounts for 45% of primary energy demand. The role of District Heating and Cooling as key solution for Energy Transition, through sector integration, waste heat recovery, use of heat storage as a means to balance the newtork and store renewable energy, use of large scale heat pumps to exploit low temperature heat sources and large quantities of low cost renewable electricity, etc... has been confirmed by recent studies by Aalborg University to be destined to play a major role towards decarbonisation, achieving energy resiliency and fighting energy poverty. All these phenomena (and the very significant evolution of the whole DHC industry, which is modernising at fast pace - although its general reputation as a traditional and mature technology) see digitalisation as a key enabler, ranging from strategic planning, to effective design of new systems or retrofitting of existing ones, up to operational efficiency by optimising dispatchment leveraging fully on sector coupling technologies and market opportunities, ending with effective heat and chill delivery where thermal inertia of buildings can already be managed through AI to shave peaks and unlock higher performance of the overall system. Advanced forecasting, optimisation models, sophisticated decision support systems, smart meters, simulation tools and digital twins are already a concrete reality that is being adopted by a significant early majority. Yet, widespread diffusion of the modern paradigms and growth of the industry will unlock enormous benefits, which may be accelerated by the study on AI and Digitalisation for energy. The breadth of this evidence should be accounted for in the upcoming document, which should also consider the additional potential of the benefits of digitalisation in achieving smarter and more efficient buildings (where, again, electricity, heating, cooling and ventilation contribute to providing high comfort standards at increasingly low costs and environmental footprints).
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