In the field of energy management, DX (Digital Transformation) is bringing innovative changes. Energy DX leverages digital technology to achieve efficient energy use and cost reduction. This article explains the fundamental knowledge for understanding energy DX, including utilized technologies and success stories.
What is Energy DX?
Energy DX refers to initiatives that optimize energy management by utilizing digital technology. By employing advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, AI, and cloud technology, it visualizes energy consumption and enables real-time prediction and control. This makes sustainable energy use possible while minimizing waste.
While conventional energy management primarily relied on periodic data collection and manual control, energy DX enables a data-driven approach, dramatically improving the speed and accuracy of decision-making.
Technologies Supporting Energy DX
Real-time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring utilizing IoT sensors and cloud technology is a core technology of energy DX. This enables immediate identification of energy loss and reduction of wasteful consumption.
IoT Sensors : Record energy usage within buildings and factories in detail and detect anomalies immediately.
Cloud Technology : Aggregates vast amounts of data from sensors in the cloud, enabling rapid analysis and remote management.
Predictive Analysis and Demand Management
By utilizing AI and machine learning, energy demand peaks can be predicted and flexibly addressed. For example, efficient energy use is achieved by reinforcing energy supply in advance during high-demand periods and distributing the load.
Automation and Smart Control
Energy Management Systems (EMS) enable energy savings through automation. By optimally controlling air conditioning and lighting according to usage conditions, waste is significantly reduced. It also prevents human error and supports 24/7 optimization.
Integration of Renewable Energy
Energy DX greatly contributes to the integration of renewable energy. By utilizing real-time data from solar and wind power generation, it efficiently manages energy supply and accelerates the realization of a decarbonized society.
Haudi provides an energy management platform "Familia Energy" that utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and cloud. It visualizes power consumption and temperature/humidity data collected by IoT sensors and automatically controls equipment to prevent energy waste throughout the building. By using IoT sensors and wireless adapters, installation work can be minimized, offering the advantage of reduced implementation costs.
Success Stories of Energy DX
Below are examples where cost reduction and efficiency improvements were achieved through energy DX.
Hokkaido Electric Power
Hokkaido Electric Power developed the AI engine for the thermal • hydro supply-demand planning optimization system "ReNom Power" in collaboration with AI venture Grid, utilizing AI optimization technology. This is expected to deliver effects such as optimization of supply-demand planning combining thermal and hydroelectric power generation, fuel consumption reduction, and operational efficiency improvements. The thermal power supply-demand planning optimization system already in operation has confirmed cost reduction effects of approximately 600 million yen per month through fuel consumption reduction.
JERA
JERA, an energy company supplying approximately 30% of Japan's generated power, makes advanced use of power generation equipment operation records and facility data at "G-DAC (Global-Data Analyzing Center)". It monitors 62 units (as of October 2023) of domestic and international power generation facilities in real-time 24/7, with AI support based on data collected via IoT. By providing services with three pillars: "predictive management", "performance management/diagnosis", and "operation optimization", it reduced unplanned equipment downtime by 10-20% and achieved fuel cost savings exceeding 100 million yen annually.
The Future of Energy DX
Technology Trends
Energy DX is expected to evolve further. In addition to advancing AI and IoT utilization, Virtual Power Plant (VPP) technology is attracting attention. VPP demonstration projects are already progressing in Europe and Japan, and it is considered a foundation for efficiently operating distributed energy (*) in the future. Additionally, the introduction of smart factories will advance energy efficiency improvements and waste reduction in manufacturing.
* Distributed energy refers to the collective term for relatively small-scale power generation facilities and energy sources distributed near energy consumption sites. It is a relative concept to conventional large-scale • centralized energy.
Challenges for Widespread Adoption
The following challenges exist for the widespread adoption of energy DX.
- Talent Shortage
Cultivating human resources proficient in both digital technology and the energy field is essential. - Initial Investment Costs
High initial investment serves as a barrier, particularly causing delays in the pace of renewable energy and IoT sensor adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises. - Regulatory Compliance
Adaptation to distributed energy and regulatory relaxation are required. - Technology Standardization
Interoperability between IoT devices and ensuring data security are also challenges.
To address these challenges, infrastructure development and expansion of subsidy systems by the government, and standardization promotion through inter-company collaboration are required.
Summary
Energy DX is the key to bringing sustainability not only to companies but also to local communities and entire nations. It also supports the realization of distributed energy systems tailored to regional characteristics and needs, enhancing responsiveness to diversifying energy markets. Going forward, it is expected to become central to energy policy and drive concrete initiatives and technological innovations toward realizing a sustainable society.