The integration of energy storage and artificial intelligence is key in aiming for a more sustainable and intelligent energy infrastructure.
Finland’s energy sector is on the brink of change. National climate goals aimed at achieving carbon neutrality require radical changes in the way we produce and consume energy. According to Sitra’s “Enabling cost-efficient electrification in Finland” report, the majority of Finland’s increasing electricity needs can be most cost-effectively covered by wind power. However, this is only part of the solution, as the volatility of renewable energy sources requires innovative solutions to ensure a stable electricity supply.
Energy storage provides a solution to smooth out fluctuations in the production of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Rapid developments in battery technology in recent years have made it an economically attractive option for large-scale energy storage. Energy storage not only improves the stability and power balance of the main grid but also allows for energy arbitrage, where electricity can be stored during times of low cost and released to the market when prices are high.
Next-generation artificial intelligence models play a central role in managing energy storages. AI optimizes the use of energy storages in real time by utilizing precise market price forecasts, storage capacity characteristics, and technical lifespan limitations. AI can predict activations in reserve markets and optimize storage usage so that maximum economic return is achieved while minimizing battery wear.
However, the future of energy storage is in more than just centralized large battery storage. Decentralized energy storage, for example, as part of properties and communities, offers significant benefits. It not only reduces grid load during peak consumption times but also increases system resilience and supports local energy production.
With the help of AI and advanced energy storage solutions, Finland is not only achieving its climate goals but can also take a leading role in the global energy transition and open doors to new investment opportunities. This is not just an ecological or technological investment but a strategic investment in the future, providing stability, flexibility, and significant economic benefits for the entire society.
We need domestic and international capital to support these innovations. By investing in energy storage now, we ensure the availability and price stability of energy, build an attractive national energy profile, and ensure a sustainable future.
