At the Research Unit Industrial Energy Systems, led by Univ.Prof. René Hofmann, we cover the fundamentals and application aspects of energy technologies for industrial systems and digitalization. Our special expertise lies in the operation and design optimization of industrial processes with mathematical programming as well as the application of digital twin methods for energy systems. Our research deals with advanced methods for increasing the energy efficiency and flexibility of industrial energy systems and we maintain close collaboration with industrial partners.

Successful symposium focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in the energy-intensive industry

On January 15, energy experts from Austria's leading industrial companies, politics, funding and research came together at the Federation of Austrian Industries on Schwarzenbergplatz, Vienna, for a symposium to talk about and discuss the opportunities and risks associated with the use of AI.

Photo of the panel discussion in the small ballroom

© Industriellenvereinigung/ Fotograf: Matanovic

Moderated by Sara Grasel (IV), Peter Oswald (Mayr-Melnhof Karton Group), Heinz Kettner (Stahl Judenburg GmbH), Roland Sommer (Plattform Industrie 4.0), Elvira Lutter (Climate and Energy Fund) and René Hofmann (TU Wien) discussed the role of AI in the energy transition.

The switch to renewable energy sources poses major challenges for the industry. Innovative digital solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) could help to increase the flexibility of industrial companies, realize potential energy savings and reduce resource consumption. Key issues addressed during the symposium included the potential of AI, current applications, necessary developments in the coming years to support climate goals and the role of research, industry and politics in this process. Representatives of Austria's leading industrial and energy supply companies, political decision-makers and researchers from universities took part in this symposium.

Innovative approaches and future technologies were presented in five keynote speeches. Presentations by Wien Energie and TTTech highlighted best-practice examples from industrial applications. Representatives from the AEE - Institute for Sustainable Technologies and the Institutes of Energy Systems and Thermodynamics as well as Mechanics and Mechatronics at TU Wien gave an insight into the latest AI approaches from research and development within the energy sector. All presentations are available in PDF format on the events homepage, opens an external URL in a new window.

A panel discussion with leading minds in this thematic area rounded off the event. "The latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are not only fascinating in everyday life, they are already playing a decisive role in the transformation of industry. Whether to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions or for predictive maintenance - AI technologies are being used strategically and as such are essential building blocks for the success of the energy transition and decarbonization of industry," summarized Dieter Drexel, Deputy Head of Climate, Infrastructure, Transport, Resources and Energy, Federation of Austrian Industries.

Links:

Query note:
Symposium as part of the Austrian participation in the IEA IETS Task XVIII "Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence and Related Technologies for Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction in Industry", opens an external URL in a new window with the Federation of Austrian Industries, opens an external URL in a new window and the Institute of Energy Systems and Thermodynamics at TU Wien.

Marlena Mayer
Marlena.Maier@iv.at
René Hofmann
Rene.Hofmann@tuwien.ac.at

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