Three Things to Know About Artificial Intelligence and Green Energy Planning

This application of AI technology could allow for smart, science-based planning for low-carbon, low-cost, and low-conflict energy to expand into new places. And this approach will allow governments, conservation groups, investors and industry to evaluate the trade-offs of their energy planning ambitions, particularly in remote locations where field work may be difficult.

Holistic science allows for better decisions.

This analysis considered six different factors: river flow, river connectivity, sediment transport, fish diversity, greenhouse gas emissions and energy production. Decision-making that evaluates all these factors allows leaders to consider costs and benefits to nature and to human communities. And by looking at an entire basin—rather than river segments, as we’ve done in the past—the additive impacts of development across national boundaries can be considered. Sometimes a solution that makes sense for one country might be problematic for their neighbors. That broader view allows governments to make better, more transparent decisions about their investments and ensure that hydropower doesn’t come at the expense of biodiversity.

There’s no single correct answer.

The approach used in this study allowed scientists to consider many scenarios, eliminating sites for future dams that would cause the worst ecological and social harm. The approach could have relevance for siting other kinds of renewable energy as well. “We must protect and restore biodiversity, and transition to clean and green energy,” explained Amy Newsock of TNC’s Durable Freshwater Protection program. “We just need to acknowledge and consider the possible conflicts in order to find those places where we can reach a balanced solution.”

Learn more about clean energy planning at A Brighter Future.