A summary report released by the Department of Energy (DoE) examines artificial intelligence’s (AI) potential benefits and risks for critical energy infrastructure. This coincides with the White House announcement of Federal agencies completing their 180-day actions mandated in the October AI executive order and is in line with the Biden-Harris administration’s strategy for harnessing AI’s benefits and ensuring its responsible deployment.

“AI has the potential to help build an energy sector that is safer, cleaner, more efficient, and more secure than ever before – a growing opportunity, highlighted by recent technical advances. However, as with all emerging technology, AI can cause harm if poorly implemented, insufficiently understood, or exploited by our adversaries,” DoE said in the report.

The assessment was led by the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), supported by machine learning researchers and energy systems engineers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

It delves into AI’s application to energy infrastructure, highlighting potential risks and benefits. It offers key findings and recommendations to optimize benefits and mitigate risks, rooted in AI types and applications to energy systems. 

Moreover, the report outlines eight pivotal actions for CESER, such as crafting an internal roadmap to navigate AI’s benefits and risks in the energy sector. 

It advocates for sustained backing of AI-driven R&D to bolster US energy system security and resilience. Additionally, it underscores the importance of external engagement with the energy industry on AI.

“Over the course of calendar year 2024, CESER will be expanding its engagement with sector partners on AI, from the security and resilience perspective, while also working to identify areas of existing and upcoming programmatic focus, where AI is a key consideration,” DoE noted.