EDP Renováveis integrates AI through long-term US technology partnership

EDP Renováveis is accelerating its digital capabilities by securing a long-term contract with an American technology company. This move aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the management of critical energy infrastructure, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

The adoption of AI, continuous sensing, and predictive algorithms is redefining operation and maintenance (O&M) within the wind energy sector. By monitoring critical variables such as vibration and temperature, operators can anticipate failures in components like generators and gearboxes. This technological shift is driven by the need to reduce unplanned downtime and improve safety.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), O&M costs account for between 17% and 34% of the total lifetime cost of wind energy projects. To optimize these costs, the industry is increasingly utilizing digital inspections via drones, high-resolution cameras, and digital twins for simulation and diagnostics.