Energy Transition Talks

Send us a textThe evolving landscape of quantum computingIn a recent episode of the Energy Transition Talks podcast, Maida Zahid sat down with quantum computing expert Curtis Nybo to explore the challenges, benefits and future of this emerging technology. In this second instalment of the conversation, Curtis moves from theory to practice, focusing on energy optimization, logistics, cybersecurity and business applications for quantum computing across industries.Overcoming challenges: The race to stable qubitsQuantum computing faces several hurdles, with coherence times being one of the biggest. Qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, remain stable only for a limited time before randomly collapsing into a 0 or 1 state. This leads to unreliable results, making error correction and shielding from radiation critical in quantum hardware development.Another challenge is the limited number of qubits available today. While large-scale quantum solutions require thousands of qubits, the most advanced machines currently operate with only a few hundred, restricting their problem-solving capabilities.Optimizing supply chains with quantum computingQuantum computing is revolutionizing supply chain logistics and optimization. Curtis highlights that quantum annealing computers are being used to optimize complex logistical processes, such as:·        Route optimization – Determining the most efficient way for delivery trucks to distribute fuel or goods while factoring in weather conditions and constraints.·        Demand forecasting – Predicting where materials need to be and at what time to prevent supply chain disruptions.·        Electricity distribution – Although not yet implemented, quantum computing could optimize energy distribution as effectively as logistics routing."From optimizing supply chains to predicting energy demand, quantum computing gives us the ability to solve problems we never could before." – Curtis NyboVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

10/03/2025 • 12:57

Send us a textThis episode dives deep into the world of quantum computing and its transformative power beyond classical computing methods. Understanding quantum properties like superposition and entanglement not only excites but also invites practical applications in various fields, especially energy.• Exploring the foundational principles of quantum computing  • Comparing classical computing to quantum computing  • Discussing real-world applications, particularly in energy sectors  You can check out more on our entire podcast series at cgi.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!  Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

03/03/2025 • 15:42

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of the hydrogen revolution with us as we chat with industry visionaries Magalie Amiel and David van der Ploeg. This episode promises a deep dive into how ports are transforming into indispensable hubs for the hydrogen economy. Discover the unique market opportunities that hydrogen presents over the next decade, especially for intercontinental supply chains and sectors that are tough to electrify. We tackle the environmental implications of ramping up hydrogen production, focusing on sustainability challenges like water usage and lifecycle emissions, and the high investments required. Listening to this conversation, you'll gain valuable insights into how ports and their strategic collaborations are crucial for enabling a sustainable energy transition.Join us as we unravel the complexities of the hydrogen supply chain and explore the pivotal role of government policies in this emerging landscape. Our discussion highlights the indispensable strategies for managing supply chain risks, drawing parallels with the well-established crude oil industry. We emphasize the importance of international collaboration and the alignment between businesses and government to make hydrogen a viable alternative in the global energy mix. Magalie Amiel and David van der Ploeg shine a light on how port authorities are poised to lead the charge in global decarbonization efforts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of energy and the strategic initiatives that are shaping our path toward a greener tomorrow.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

13/01/2025 • 22:18

Send us a textIn part two of our Energy Transition Talks conversation with Helena Jochberger, CGI’s Global Industry Lead for Manufacturing, she and Peter Warren share insights from their industries, emphasizing the advantages of cross-industry collaboration, the need to integrate renewable energy sources and the evolution of ESG principles in business strategy. Organizations worldwide face sustainability challenges, but this discussion reveals that innovative thinking and networks that transcend traditional industry boundaries are driving collective progress.The convergence of energy and manufacturing industries is increasingly evident as both sectors embrace sustainability and technology innovation to address global challenges. As these industries align their strategies toward decarbonization and efficiency, valuable opportunities emerge to identify shared learnings, goals and practices for a more sustainable future.Material passports: The key to transparency  Helena highlights the significance of tools like material passports in tracking CO2 emissions and resource origins, which aids in achieving shared sustainability goals across industries. These passports provide transparency in emissions reporting, similar to energy certificates that track energy provenance. Collaboration in the automotive sectorThe automotive industry, particularly in Europe, exemplifies this trend through initiatives like Catena-X, which fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance supply chain traceability and drive innovation in electric vehicle (EV) production and battery localization.Decarbonizing steel: A renewable revolution   Looking at the steel industry's decarbonization journey, Peter and Helena highlight the importance of integrating renewable energy sources. Helena notes that steel manufacturers are not only producing metal products but are also investing in upstream energy solution, such as acquiring wind farms and hydrogen production facilities, to secure clean energy. This approach reflects a shift towards broader adoption of sustainable practices in response to global challenges.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

10/12/2024 • 15:03

Send us a textIn the latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks series, Peter Warren and Daren Rudd discuss the critical role of the insurance industry in supporting low carbon energy projects. They explore how innovative insurance solutions can help manage risks associated with new technologies, the importance of data sharing between the energy and insurance sectors, and the potential for future collaboration to enhance risk management and reduce costs. The transition to sustainable energy depends on major investment in innovative technologies including wind farms, solar, and hydrogen and battery storage. The success of these types of capital-intensive projects often depends on having insurance in place to help manage the inherent risk of financing large low carbon energy projects.The insurance industry has a long history of innovation that aligns with the way the energy market is transitioning. Lloyds of London, explains Daren, was originally established to insure trade ships travelling to India. Likewise, in the late 1890’s the company that insured the Chicago World Fair—the first to be fully powered by electricity—established the standards and the analysis for energy and electricity assets going forward.“For a couple hundred years, we've been very innovative in terms of coming up with new mechanisms and ways of working to insure and allow these big programs and these innovative new industries to grow…Insurers and the industry can work together to deliver a better result, particularly where innovative new things are working.”Read more on cgi.comVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

02/12/2024 • 14:11

Send us a textShaping the future of the hydrogen economy: Ports, collaboration and sustainability In the latest episode of Energy Transition Talks, Derek Marinos discusses the critical role of ports in the hydrogen economy with experts Dr. Magali Amiel and David van der Ploeg. They explore the current state of hydrogen as a low carbon energy source, the supply chain challenges in production and distribution, and the infrastructure developments being implemented by port authorities. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and the impact of market forces and geopolitical considerations on hydrogen's growth and adoption.The promising potential of hydrogen for decarbonizationHydrogen has long been recognized as a low-carbon energy source and now is considered crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including heavy industry and transportation. Significant investments are being made to scale hydrogen deployment in these challenging industries, plus successful proof of concept (POC) projects and trials in both sectors are leading to tangible impacts in the transition to hydrogen solutions. Sustainability remains a key driver of the global demand for hydrogen.The key roles of ports and infrastructure in the hydrogen ecosystemPorts are vital in the hydrogen ecosystem, addressing transportation, storage and distribution, and logistics and infrastructure challenges. From a storage perspective, ports are already well-positioned to serve as regional and international hubs for hydrogen supplies, thanks to their expert solutions developed via handling oil and other commodities.[Wow factor: The European Union has set ambitious targets for hydrogen adoption with ports projected to account for more than 40 % of annual hydrogen demand by 2050. ]Establishing a hydrogen supply chain is essential for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, especially for sectors difficult to electrify, like shipping and heavy transport. Key challenges include:Production Costs: The location of hydrogen production relative to ports affects transportation logistics.Storage Requirements: Hydrogen's low energy density necessitates larger storage facilities, which can be complicated by urban proximity and safety regulations.Distribution Infrastructure: International collaboration is needed to create effective pipelines and transport systems for hydrogen.To build the necessary infrastructure, advancements in technology are vital, as existing pipelines for crude oil cannot be used for hydrogen. Regulatory consistency across regions is also essential to facilitate international trade. A notable initiative is the Hydrogen Alliance between Canada and Germany, aimed at establishing a robust international hydrogen supply chain by July 2024.The need to forge alliance to shape the futureThe hydrogen economy is poised for significant growth, driving the need to unite all players in the hydrogen ecosystem to share information, build trust and collaborate with industrial users for effective integration, especially in the current geopolitical climate. The quality of the hydrogen and the quality of relationship between the stakeholders will significantly shape what is possible in the future. Read more more on Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

12/11/2024 • 19:28

Send us a textData-driven futures: Revolutionizing energy infrastructureCGI’s annual Voice of Our Clients (VOC) global research gathers insights from both existing and potential clients, revealing key priorities for executives across industries. In the latest episode of Energy Transition Talks, Peter Warren sits down with Helena Jochberger to discuss the overlapping areas of focus revealed by data for both the Energy & Utilities and Manufacturing industries. The Energy and Utilities framework—specifically in the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of oil and gas—often includes the chemical industry. However, Peter shares, CGI classifies it as part of Manufacturing, due to its process-driven nature.Helena agrees, highlighting that in the chemical sector, where various recipes and ingredients are involved, effective Manufacturing Execution Systems are essential for managing complex processes that rely on numerous formulas. In the Manufacturing sector, she says, it's important to distinguish between two terms: ·        Discrete Manufacturing: Involves producing physical products that require energy.·        Process Industry: Comprises energy-intensive sectors like metals, mining, and chemicals.Focus on sustainability: Climate change impact on industriesOne significant insight from the CGI 2024 Voice of Clients (VOC) report Helena highlights is that, like Energy & Utilities, industries such as metals, mining and pulp and paper are notably prioritizing energy transition, climate change and sustainability initiatives. Specifically, the mining industry has a particularly high impact rate at 89% and the pulp and paper sector follows closely at 80%. Helena notes that the pulp and paper industry historically uses biofuels like black liquor for energy, showing a commitment to decarbonization despite ongoing climate challenges.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

21/10/2024 • 15:07

Send us a textEmpowering energy decisions: AI meets Data MeshIn part two of their Energy Transition Talks conversation, Doug Leal and Peter Warren dive deeper into the concept of Data Mesh and its impact on organizational structure. Specifically, they examine how Data Mesh enables business agility and AI innovation while necessitating a cultural shift, robust data governance and collaboration between IT and the business. Data Mesh represents a significant cultural shift in how organizations manage and use data. Traditionally, data ownership has resided within IT departments, but Data Mesh advocates for decentralizing this ownership to various lines of business teams. Doug highlights the four key principles of Data Mesh:Domain-Oriented Decentralized Ownership: Data is no longer solely owned by IT; instead, it allows teams closest to its creation to take ownership and responsibility for its quality and reliability.Data as a Product: Organizations are encouraged to treat their data sets as products, prioritizing data quality, usability, and timeliness, while focusing on how they can create value from them.Self-Service Data Platforms: With multiple domain-oriented data platforms emerging, automation is key, and teams need to ensure these platforms are user-friendly and efficient. The goal is to remove bottlenecks and accelerate data sharing and collaboration.Federated Computational Governance: This model supports governance tailored to specific domains rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, allowing for more relevant oversight.The transition to decentralized ownership empowers business teams to take control of their data, fostering agility and responsiveness to market needs. However, it also increases their responsibility. Data governance is paramount for Data Mesh! It ensures data quality and security across decentralized domains, fosters trust and consistency in data usage, and balances autonomy.Importance of data quality in Data Mesh“Data quality is still a cornerstone of a Data Mesh platform,” Doug says, explaining that developing this domain-based data architecture requires a robust data quality framework. This involves ensuring data traceability and conducting rigorous quality checks for accuracy, completeness and consistency so organizations can build trust in their data.  Collaboration between technologists and business stakeholders is essential for identifying the most accurate truth as organizations integrate multiple source systems into their Data Lakehouse. This foundation is also critical for future advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI initiatives.Read more on cgi.comVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

07/10/2024 • 12:07

Send us a textIn the latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks series, CGI Vice-President, Consulting – Data and Analytics Doug Leal discusses with Peter Warren the evolving landscape of data use in the energy and utilities sector, particularly in light of new AI applications. In the first instalment of this two-part conversation, they explore the challenges of scaling AI models, the move away from experimentation toward practical solutions and two key approaches to data management: the Data Lakehouse and the Data Mesh—both of which are shaping the future of data strategies’ success.Utility organizations are facing increasing pressure to leverage data effectively for decision-making. This involves the integration of various data sources, such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and outage management systems, to enhance operational insights. While some organizations are already progressing in this area, Doug says, many are still in the early stages of their data journey.Doug and Peter discuss two distinct approaches to AI: one that treats it as a novel tool to explore, and another that focuses on practical problem-solving. The latter, Doug says, is essential for developing a strategic approach to AI implementation, ensuring that solutions are not only effective for immediate challenges but also adaptable for future developments“We need to be able to build a model or any type of AI solution in a way that will enable the organization to scale—not only scale that model for production, but also for everything that comes after that model, the innovation that comes after that model.”The challenge of transitioning from proof of concept (POC) to productionTypically, a business unit recognizes the potential of a technology or model and decides to invest further. However, without a well-defined operational process to transition from proof of concept (POC) or proof of value to full production, this can create significant challenges and bottlenecks. As Doug shares, only 53% of models successfully progress from POC to production, making it an expensive endeavor when roughly half fail to deliver results.Shifting focus to Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) and practicalityPeter agrees, citing a current client’s approach that skips the POC entirely, jumping ahead to develop minimal viable products (MVPs) right away. He explains their strategy involves creating solutions that are aligned with their organizational goals and can be effectively scaled. This ensures that the IT team can support the growth of these products and that the business can derive tangible value from them.Doug has also noticed a shift in mindset among clients. As he sees it, there’s a growing emphasis on how to effectively transition ideas into production rather than just experimenting, reflecting an increased understanding of the importance of assessing the real value and return on investment for these initiatives. Given the substantial costs associated with infrastructure, data scientists and machine learning engineers required for model development, organizations are increasingly cautious about treating these efforts as mere experiments.Read more in cgi.comVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

03/09/2024 • 12:40

Send us a textIn the latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks series, CGI Global Industry Lead for Health and Life Sciences Ben Goldberg joins Peter Warren to discuss the interdependence between healthcare and energy systems, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure a healthy society. Specifically, they examine the interplay between ecosystems and supply chains, the emergence of smart, “green hospitals,” and how data innovation and digital twins are driving sustainable, resilient healthcare. Digital twins and “triplets” in healthcareWhile hospitals play a vital role in healthcare, they often contribute significantly to emissions due to aging infrastructure and inefficient buildings. For example, Ben points out that many hospitals have been around for decades, and while some modernization efforts have been made, they are still not energy friendly. This, he says, is an opportunity for new technologies to enter the mix.Notably, digital twins—which create digital representation of physical assets—have gained traction in healthcare. Moving beyond just monitoring energy consumption, digital twins offer compelling use cases, such as providing visibility into the patient journey and help address outcomes. As Ben highlights, the ability to mirror the physical world digitally through digital twins has numerous facets and opportunities within the healthcare sector. Sharing a term coined by Diane Gutiw, a leader in AI and digital twins at CGI, Peter raises the use cases for “digital triplets,” referring to using three interconnected digital twins:  A twin modeling the patient’s health and wellbeing A twin modeling the operations of the healthcare facility itself (energy use, HVAC systems, etc.) A third twin analyzing the causes and effects between the first two twins.This model allows for optimizing not just patient care, but the facility's energy efficiency and sustainability as well. For example, Ben and Peter discuss the fact that "green hospitals" are being built globally to produce their own electricity and hydrogen fuel, while using digital twins to intelligently control heating, cooling, lighting, and more based on patient occupancy levels.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

25/06/2024 • 13:00

Send us a textIn part two of the Energy Transition Talks discussion between Eurelectric’s Head of Energy Policy, Climate and Sustainability Paul Wilczek and CGI expert Peter Warren, they turn their focus to the opportunities and challenges of localized energy production, the role AI and new technologies play in balancing decentralized power grids and the long-term benefits of decarbonizing and electrifying the energy sector.The renewable energy surge in EuropeLocalized energy production and renewable energy is increasing, as energy and security of fossil fuels coming from more volatile regions face increased disruption and costs. Referencing various studies, projections and European Commission publications, Paul indicates that the deployment of renewable energy sources—particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore/offshore wind power—is expected to experience a massive surge in Europe across all scenarios. As Paul explains, this rapid growth in localized renewable energy production offers several advantages:·        Homegrown electricity production: Europe will have a significant portion of its electricity generated domestically, reducing dependence on imports from potentially unreliable foreign partners, thereby enhancing energy security and supply reliability.·        Decarbonization: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are carbon-free, contributing to the decarbonization of Europe's electricity sector.·        Price predictability: Domestically produced renewable energy can provide more predictable and stable power prices, reducing volatility associated with imported energy sources.At the same time, he points out, the projected surge in renewable energy deployment presents challenges too: such rapid growth also necessitates addressing the challenges of variability and the need for substantial investments.The role of AI and new technologies in managing the energy system efficientlyWhile traditional energy generation like hydroelectric power will continue to play a role, Peter says, the major shift towards renewable but volatile sources like wind and solar impacts not just the volume of energy produced, but also the frequency and grid balancing when the sun shines or wind blows. New technologies, he suggests, will play a supporting role in transitioning to distributed energy resources (DER) production.Paul agrees, suggesting that a decade ago, few predicted the current dominance of wind and solar energy. Technologies like biomass and geothermal were expected to have a bigger role. However, the plummeting costs of wind and solar have made them the clear winners for now.Read more on cgi.comVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

06/06/2024 • 12:54

Send us a textIn this first of two episodes for our Energy Transition Talks series, Eurelectric’s Head of Energy Policy, Climate and Sustainability Paul Wilczek joins Peter Warren to examine the intrinsic link between decarbonization and electrification, plus the consequent opportunities shaping the energy landscape. They discuss the need for grid investment and modernization, how transparent information helps bridge gaps between governments and public opinion, upfront costs versus long-term benefits of electrification and how reforming energy taxation and billing can shape the future of electrified communities.Decarbonization and electrification: A pivotal shiftBy 2040, Europe aims to have a largely decarbonized power sector, paving the way for the widespread adoption of electrification across various sectors. According to Paul, this transition not only promotes energy efficiency but also offers significant environmental benefits. As he shares, electrified systems, such as heat pumps for residential heating, can use “just two-thirds of the primary energy” required by traditional gas-based heating systems, resulting in substantial energy savings. Peter indicates that a shift is happening in North America as well, citing the current U.S. government’s incentives for heat pumps.Despite the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and other electrified technologies, the overall electrification rate in Europe remains stagnant at around 22-23%. This is surprising, Paul point says, as the growing number of electrified processes and users would indicate the rate would rise.The primary focus has been on decarbonizing the power sector, with efforts to transition to renewable and clean energy sources. However, Paul reveals, the remaining 78% of energy consumption across other sectors has been largely overlooked. Electrification presents an effective solution for further decarbonization, as the electricity grid becomes increasingly green and decarbonized.According to projections from the European Commission, electrification is expected to account for 35% of final energy demand by 2030, rising to 50% by 2040, and potentially reaching 60-70% by 2050.The transformation of transportationThe transport sector is undergoing a profound transformation, with the phase-out of combustion engine vehicles playing a pivotal role. This transition is driven by policy initiatives, technological advancements, and a collective commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable energy solutions.Within the next 20 years, Paul estimates that very few combustion engine cars will remain on the roads. This shift is driven by the European Union's ban on combustion engines in cars, paving the way for electric and hybrid vehicles to dominate the personal transportation market. While some heavy-duty vehicles may still rely on hybrid technologies, the family vehicle of the future is expected to be predominantly electric.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

24/05/2024 • 14:34

Send us a textIn our latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks series, Marion Braams, Vice-President, Consulting Expert at CGI sits down with Peter Warren to share her expert perspective on emerging trends in IT, sustainability regulations and reporting. Specifically, they discuss different ESG initiatives across regions, the evolution to and impact of legally mandated standards and certifications, plus the role of green IT and AI for optimizing data and ESG reporting. New laws mandating ESG reporting create fairness and accountabilityEnvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are becoming increasingly valuable for businesses beyond just sustainability objectives, as they can impact risk management, stakeholder expectations, innovation and operational efficiency. Until now, greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting and emissions reductions have been voluntary for companies, meaning companies that invested in being "greener" faced higher costs than those that didn't. However, new laws, like the CSRD in Europe and the ISSB in the US, are making GHG reporting mandatory, creating a more level playing field and fostering more consistency and accountability across industries.As Marion explains, without standards developed to measure GHG emissions, people were measuring things in their own ways. “You can't just look at something and know how much greenhouse gases (GHG) it contains, like a beer. You cannot just look at your beer and know its cost or energy use. It depends on how it is made, how much time it was stored, for example. It becomes really complicated to calculate things.”Companies can apply for certifications from organizations like EcoVadis or the Carbon Disclosure Project to verify their GHG emissions. These certifications require companies to use standardized methods to estimate and report their GHG emissions.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

14/05/2024 • 16:36

Send us a textIn this episode of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, CGI space expert Harjit Sheera shares with Peter Warren how the volume of space data is not only ever-increasing, but also growing in impact and application across industries. Discussing how processing space data for accessibility and effective use was previously an arduous task, they explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced processing platforms are helping organizations make the most of their space data. From environmental impact monitoring to emissions mapping and data layering, space data is changing the way we see and act on energy transition goals. Improving and accelerating traditionally cumbersome space data with AIOperating across the entire space stakeholder chain, CGI space experts work as advisors for space organizations, collaborate with regulatory agencies and support end users through application development and managed services. In her almost 20 years of experience working in space, Harjit knows the legacy challenges space data poses, specifically in terms of harnessing and translating its vast volume. “It takes a lot of processing power, a lot of storage energy and a lot of standardization to make that data available to people who can turn it into something that the end user will see.”Emerging processing engines (including those processing earth observation data, examining imagery or setting standardized requisite parameters) are using AI, machine learning and advanced algorithms to refine further and perform better, faster. This means greater volumes of data can be processed more efficiently and more, diverse user requirements can be addressed.Specifically, AI helps identify key elements in satellite images and processes them faster, based on set user requirements. For example, Harjit shares the use case of farmers leveraging AI and satellite imagery data to monitor and demonstrate how they’re farming their land and what kind of crops they’re growing, to claim government subsidies.Peter highlights the positive implications the advanced deep learning and crop recognition use case has for energy organizations who want to monitor, for example, leaks or the growth of vegetation under power lines and near utility company infrastructure. It all helps to reduce the cost of maintenance and potential damage.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

09/04/2024 • 16:12

Send us a textAI strategies, asset optimization and data quality: the new frontier for oil and gasIn the latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks, Maida Zahid sits down with CGI experts Mark van Engelen and Curtis Nybo to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the oil and gas space. Specifically, they look at the evolution of—and need for—generative AI in the industry, the value of an iterative, domain-based approach to implementation and cross-industry AI use cases to advance the energy transition.The new frontier for AI in oil and gas: data, demographics and domain-based approachesThe use of AI to support the asset-heavy oil and gas industry has been in effect for some time, especially for optimizing asset maintenance and predictive maintenance. However, new areas of need are driving the evolving role and growing value of AI within organizations.First, Mark mentions, is the need for generative AI to help unlock the vast amounts of data in the oil and gas companies (e.g., on the GIS side, on their land side, upstream, downstream, etc.). This rise of ‘data GTP’ as he calls it, means gaining access to that data in a natural language format to pose questions like, ‘How many barrels did you produce last month?’ without clicking through several layers of reporting.Second, as shifting demographics and changing workforces expose a knowledge gap between retiring experts and new professional entrants, generative AI is helping organizations bridge the gap and provide access to legacy knowledge in an efficient manner. More crucial than vast amounts of data is the quality of the data. When working on use cases with clients, Curtis says they begin with domains that have decent data quality or supporting data management processes, to maximize ROI and time to completion.As he explains, “we take a domain-based approach, where in parallel as you’re working on an AI project in the one domain, you can clean up the data of another domain next on your list,” so you’re not applying AI to the whole company at once; you’re starting with one area or team and expanding throughout the organization.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

05/03/2024 • 36:07

Send us a textIn part two of our Energy Transition Talks conversation on generative artificial intelligence (AI), CGI experts Diane Gutiw and Peter Warren further explore the implications and applications of AI in the energy and utilities industry. Building upon their discussion in part one, they examine how digital twins, change management and trusted data are shaping the use and performance of AI in energy organizations, ultimately looking to the future of AI as multimodal, human-driven technology solution.The key to realizing AI value: integrated solutions and digital twins Increasingly, the greatest benefits of generative AI are emerging not in single solutions, but in integrated, multi-model, multimodal ways of pulling in information, producing expert advice and automating certain functions. The energy industry, says Diane, is “a great example of a very complex environment with lots of different types of media and data that can be leveraged by these new and upcoming technologies.”In her view, AI is headed toward digital twin models and integrated solutions. In the energy industry, this increased data-driven automation can help make both the grid and operations more efficient. Peter Warren shares one key use case for digital twins is to help organizations understand other markets better, as they transition their current model. “You might know your existing industry well,” he says, “but as you move from traditional carbon-based energy to something less carbon-based, be it hydrogen or electricity, you may not know those markets; being able to create a digital twin of something you haven’t formally understood is a huge benefit.”Diane agrees and suggests that the adoption of a digital twin to represent an organization’s current environment is a great use case, especially where there’s a data-intensive end-to-end workflow. Not only does this provide a robust view of the existing environment, she says, “but also it allows organizations to look at different scenarios and leverage AI to say, for example, ‘What would happen to the grid if this event happened, and how could I automatically adjust?’”Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

22/01/2024 • 11:58

Send us a textIn the latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, Peter Warren sits down with Vice-President, CGI Global AI Research Lead Diane Gutiw to discuss generative AI and its global impact across industries. In part one of the conversation, they delve into the inevitability of AI in everyday life, the need for a structured, secure approach when using these tools and the use cases that are helping organizations improve efficiency and secure a quick return on their AI investment.AI is inevitable (but requires guardrails)The burgeoning conversation surrounding generative AI is one of the hottest topics for organizations globally. Questions pertaining to the inherent business opportunities and challenges are emerging at the same rate that organizations strive to define, harness and govern these new technologies. According to CGI’s AI expert Diane Gutiw, one thing is not up for debate: “AI is inevitable.”She sees the current AI landscape as similar to the adoption of the internet. “I think we're really going to be leveraging AI when we start to forget that it's there and are able to understand, have transparency into its processes and discern what's being delivered to us.”  However, Diane stresses that AI is not an end in itself. Especially in a business context, she explains, it is a tool developed to serve an intended purpose. “As long as we put the guardrails in place for responsible development, use and build-out of these tools, the power and the opportunities are unlimited.”  Read for more Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

09/01/2024 • 14:00

Send us a textIn part two of our Energy Transition Talks conversation with Eurelectric’s Secretary General Kristian Ruby, CGI experts Peter Warren and Tom van der Leest dive deeper into key opportunities, challenges and drivers of the energy transition discussed in part one. In this second instalment, they explore the necessity and complexity of regulation, the role of central markets in a decentralized future and the growing importance of electrification, AI and cybersecurity in the evolving energy market.Regulation and the role of central markets in a decentralized futureEnsuring fairness and equal participation in the new energy market requires robust regulations. However, as the level of regulatory complexity increases, customers and policymakers alike are struggling to keep up. For customers, compliance with one regulation may be in direct violation of another, while policymakers face challenges in keeping pace with implementation and reporting as more rules are created. As decentralization continues to be a key trend, the question arises: What is the role of central markets and the regulator in a decentralized future?Kristian sees this question as critical and believes the local flexibility market will become much more prevalent in the coming years. “We will simply need, for the efficiency of operations and the reliability of operations, to have local flexibility sources and call upon them more frequently with more frequent market signals in order to stabilize an increasingly complex, digitized, complex and centralized grid.”The decade of electricity has begun Kristian identifies another area of ongoing evolution: the veracity and reliability of clean energy. “We talked about fair, we talked about reliable, but there's also the clean dimension. With green hydrogen, we want to make sure that it is actually green. That’s where all these questions come in about geographical proximity and the timely match of the actual clean electricity production with the electrolyzers. Setting up a digital platform and defining concrete products around that is the next challenge for digital companies and energy providers to determine together how that is going to look.”Striking the right balance between environmental integrity and manageable systems is the key challenge at hand, Kristian says, as organizations move from proving their energy is green on an annual basis to hourly or quarterly intervals.Kristian has no doubt that a multi-vector future will be the most efficient and cost-effective way forward but stresses that electricity is moving to the center of the energy system. Calling the 2020s “the electric decade,” he shares that the electricity sector is seeing unprecedented growth, expansion and change. Read the full summaryVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

04/12/2023 • 27:56

Send us a textIn the latest episode of our Energy Transition Talks, Peter Warren sits down with Eurelectric’s Secretary General Kristian Ruby and CGI’s Tom van der Leest for part one of a discussion on key trends and new business models in the energy market. Specifically, they examine the growing role of everyday individuals in the energy system, how distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) are changing the way utilities view customers and operations, and why the industry needs to define and support fairness for participation in the new energy landscape.  The energy transition in the utility world has unfolded rapidly over the past decade, with most organizations following similar steps to adapt and prepare. However, as innovative technologies and new opportunities emerge, organizations now are adopting different strategies, giving rise to new trends and creating diversity within the sector.Kristian details some of the divergent approaches of individual organizations within this new landscape: “Some are focusing on offshore wind and hydrogen production transmission, others are going downstream, focusing on e-mobility, charging infrastructure, onshore renewables, distribution grids. Some are getting out of generation altogether, focusing on distribution and customers. So, you really have a wide variety of ways that companies position themselves within the sector.”Read the full summaryVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

20/11/2023 • 18:46

Send us a textIn our latest episode of the Energy Transition Talks series, CGI Vice President Tom van der Leest interviews Nienke Homan, holds several board positions in energy- and industry-related organizations. Nienke and Tom have an in-depth discussion on how hydrogen enables the energy transition, how organizations need to balance the new energy system and how optimized IT systems are a critical piece of this transformation. As the energy transition progresses, hydrogen is becoming increasingly important in reducing emissions and meeting climate neutrality targets. The production, transport and offtake of renewable electricity and green hydrogen are adding complexity to the energy system, which requires organizations to transform their internal and external operations.  Drawing on her rich expertise within the energy sector, Nienke Homan shares her thoughts on the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to green hydrogen, the need to balance the overarching energy system and the growing importance of data and IT systems in achieving a climate neutral energy system.  Through her role in EDSN, the shared IT service provider for the Dutch energy system, Nienke sees several shifts developing in energy IT and infrastructure. Specifically, she points to flexibility means, the optimization of IT systems and using real-time data.  ‘’If accelerating the energy transition is the goal, then real-time data and flexible, efficient IT systems are critical’’, says Nienke, suggesting the creation of “an agile system that can find the optimal balance between molecules and electrons, so we can use our energy and its infrastructure in the most efficient way.”Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

25/09/2023 • 19:00

Send us a textFollowing the release of CGI’s 2023 Voice of Our Clients global research, Peter Warren sits down with Patrik Mardell to discuss macrotrends and industry insights for the latest episode in our Energy Transition Talks podcast series. Focusing on the data from the 173 energy and utilities executives interviewed, they reveal top business priorities globally and explore the growing importance of quality, timely data and automation in advancing the energy transition.This year’s Voice of Our Clients global research revealed that top macrotrends facing organizations include the fight against climate change, investing in technology to accelerate digital transformation and addressing changing social demographics and shifts in the world economic order. Underpinning most executives’ strategies and solutions to address these challenges? Data.However, Patrik Mardell highlights, data isn’t new; data has been a key focus in energy and utilities for decades. “You could say that the energy sector has been almost early adopters with data,” he says, “because you could not run energy production without good data. You cannot distribute power in cable and wires without good data.”In Patrik’s view, what’s changing is the quality, timeliness and intelligent application of the data. Peter Warren agrees: “When we asked where people were going to be investing over the next three years, not surprisingly, data management and governance and data quality were very high.” Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

11/09/2023 • 23:38

Send us a textIn our latest Energy Transition Talks podcast, Andrea Grad of CGI’s Unicorn Academy speaks with energy transition experts Karl Schmalz and Martin Tauer. Looking at Europe, and within Germany in particular, they discuss net-zero targets, reporting challenges and the role of innovation and data in accelerating progress. Approaches vary by region and infrastructureWhile the global target for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is 2050, some countries have more ambitious goals. For example, Germany’s target is 2045, and some of its regions and cities have even earlier dates. Sustainable energy is already a hot topic. However, not all regions or organizations are equipped with the same tools or environment to transition as quickly or seamlessly as others. As Martin shares, this contributes to varying targets, approaches, and success factors.The City of Bremen, for example, aims to achieve net-zero by 2038, 7 years earlier than the German national goal. Bremen benefits from climate-relevant infrastructure such as seaports, logistics, handling, and cruise terminals. As a leading industrial hub, the City’s focus for the energy transition is on their prominent metal industry.Specifically, they plan to produce green steel by incorporating hydrogen into the production process. As Martin explains, “This is a very urgent topic and a very high priority project, because the failure in this one goal would completely compromise the ambitions for the City’s climate neutrality by 2038.” Karl agrees that green hydrogen, in particular, is increasingly vital to achieving net-zero. However, the approach and policy are integral to a successful transition. Something he sees working well in the “active” transition in Germany is the integration and adaptation of photovoltaic production. “I personally see it as a good way to stabilize the grid with large numbers of installations in private households, whereas the wind energy will serve to stabilize the larger consumers in the industry,” he comments. Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

29/05/2023 • 24:39

Send us a textIn our latest Energy Transition Talks podcast, Peter Warren continues the discussion in part two of our series with energy transition and decarbonization expert Pedro Carmo. Building on the previous episode, they discuss the state of the energy market, the role consolidation is playing in accelerating the race to net-zero and how a gradual, step-by-step approach is key to achieving decarbonization targets. As Peter Warren and Pedro Carmo discussed in part one of this series, a net-zero future will involve divergent paths and speeds. However, opportunities to accelerate decarbonization activities exist across the industry, regardless of where organizations are on their respective journeys.Emerging market trends such as consolidation and asset rotation are helping organizations to speed up their energy transformation, while also creating new opportunities for cross-industry innovation. What do these trends mean for the industry and net-zero targets? How do organizations address business and IT challenges that come with consolidation? And what does the future of the grid look like?Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

15/05/2023 • 22:18

Send us a textIn our latest Energy Transition Talks podcast, Peter Warren kicks off the first of two episodes with energy transition and decarbonization expert Pedro Carmo, exploring challenges, strategies and solutions for the journey to net-zero. Focusing on hard-to-abate industries, they discuss approaches to decarbonization, success stories and the vital role real-time data plays in driving returns on investments.Ambitious net-zero targets and sociopolitical context are driving momentum for the energy transition across all sectors. However, not all industries are readily adaptable to these targets, and a net-zero future will involve divergent paths and speeds. Hard-to-abate industries, like mining, fertilizers, steel, aluminum, industrial transportation and aviation, present complex decarbonization challenges. But, as Pedro Carmo points out, net-zero will only be possible if we also decarbonize industries like mining, steel and fertilizers, which are heavy producers of CO2.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

11/04/2023 • 13:59

Send us a textNet-zero and green economy goals increasingly require organizations to disclose transparently the financial risks posed by climate change. In this episode of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, CGI experts Rich Hampshire, Matthew Ayearst and Peter Warren discuss the future of the energy market and the role of Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), data and collaboration in advancing sustainable finance and the energy transition.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

27/03/2023 • 37:05

Send us a textFor decades, energy and utilities companies have invested in infrastructure to collect, store, analyze and use data. Today, savvy digital consumers and advanced cloud technologies are driving demand for timely, cost-effective data that stakeholders can access and act on. As a result, data governance is moving away from IT-centric conversations, toward business-ownership models. In this climate, what role does data governance play, who is responsible for it and how is it helping energy and utilities operations? In our latest Energy Transition Talks podcast, Peter Warren explores these questions with data and analytics experts Diane Gutiw and Paul Kulpas . There is no lack of data in energy and utilities. The challenge is knowing where the data is, getting it quickly, making sure it's accurate and using it to drive decisions. Several factors are driving greater demand for data in the industry, including consumer expectations, cost-effective technology and decades of investment in data collection. According to Diane Gutiw, this creates a “perfect storm for data and analytics to be the future” of the industry.Digital consumers expect their power providers to personalize their services and offer options for smarter, greener and lower-cost energy. The cloud is another data accelerator, because it makes it easier and quicker to pull information together and present it to different stakeholders. These drivers shape and normalize stakeholders’ expectations for data that they can easily access, quickly understand and readily trust to inform their decisions and actions. Data ownership moves from IT to businessTraditionally, data and the tools used to extract it belonged to IT. Now, business analysts and leaders are taking more ownership of data because of its business value. Energy and utility organizations are making several changes as a result. For example, they are spinning off new departments, branches and expertise (e.g., power users) focused on digitization and analytics, whereas IT now provides more of a stabilization platform and support. Energy companies and utilities also are creating more interactive dashboards to allow executives to follow the data story and see cause-and-effect. “That's the real shift that all the technology platforms are moving towards,” notes Gutiw, “and cloud is making it faster and faster to do that.” She adds that the key is self-service, regardless of role (e.g., data scientist, business analyst, executive, etc.). Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

09/01/2023 • 21:56

Send us a textOur latest Energy Transition Talks podcast explores the future scenarios that Fingrid (Finland’s state-owned transmission network operator) develops to improve their strategic planning and keep them on course to meet Finland’s net-zero targets. Fingrid executives Mikko Heikkilä, head of strategic grid planning, and Risto Kuusi, senior expert in strategic planning, speak with  our CGI energy industry lead in Finland about the goals and benefits of their scenario planning approach. Future scenarios all meet carbon neutrality targetsFingrid’s future scenarios are a novel, efficient way to project the future using a probabilistic approach of what might happen and how to prepare. The scenarios have implications for Finnish energy markets as well as in the Nordics and more broadly in Europe. As part of their every-second-year planning cycle for their main grid, Fingrid drafted four scenarios for the future to ensure the grid will serve its purpose. A common driver for all scenarios is meeting Finland’s target to become carbon neutral by 2035.The four scenarios are:1.     Power to products, which assumes that Finland becomes a major industrial hub for power to products like fuels, materials and chemicals.2.     Hydrogen from wind, which assumes that Finland becomes a major exporter of green hydrogen. 3.     Windy Seas, which looks at large-scale expansion of offshore wind compared to onshore wind in the other scenarios. 4.     Local power, which looks at distributed solar, distributed batteries and even small modular nuclear power in Finland in 2035. Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

14/11/2022 • 24:52

Send us a textEffectively managing growing distributed energy resources (DERs) is at the heart of successfully navigating the energy transition and supporting decarbonization. In this episode of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, CGI experts Matt Marrow and Vincent Dufresne discuss the importance of being prepared for the impending uptake of DERs and electrification, and the role of enterprise-caliber distributed energy resource management systems (DERMs) to enable a stable, resilient and decarbonized future grid.The high penetration of variable new renewables such as large solar and wind farms calls for transforming traditional distribution systems operating models. Distributed energy resources, including building-integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, back-up generators  and energy storage devices (often located behind the meter), as well as demand response resources. "All of these DERs support the increasing penetration of clean variable renewables, which have become very affordable," states Vincent. However, with potentially millions of DER endpoints connecting to the grid, gaining visibility and control over them is an increasingly complex task. Vincent says DERMS can play a pivotal role in monitoring, controlling and operating all types of DERs. "What a DERMS does, ultimately, is that it enables utilities to control all of those resources and make them more valuable to everyone, and to contribute to the energy transition."More on Energy Transition TalksVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

03/11/2022 • 32:19

Send us a textIn this episode of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, Frederic Lesieur and Peter Warren discuss insights from CGI Voice of Our Clients (VOC) interviews with 167 energy and utilities executives this year. They explore a variety of topics, including the energy transition and the impact of macro trends such as climate change, as well as the importance of cybersecurity, change management and innovation.Climate change is evident, and energy and utilities organizations are key actors in achieving net-zero objectives. Embracing a culture of sustainability is critical to their own success and to their ability to serve customers who are demanding greener energy. According to Frederic Lesieur, this is the first element of the energy transition. The second element he says is how we consume energy. Today, customers increasingly want to be part of the solution and are looking for ways to be more energy efficient . "I think it needs to be top of mind for C-level executives in the industry that they may engage their customers in this journey," suggests Lesieur.This year in our VOC interviews, the highest number of executives who view sustainability as highly core to creating future value are in oil and gas (77%), followed by transportation (75%), utilities (63%) and manufacturing (74%).Listen for more on Energy Transition Talks | CGI.comVisit our Energy Transition Talks page

19/10/2022 • 27:17

Send us a textAs Europe advances its vision of a hydrogen economy, what are some lessons learned for North America? In episode 10 of our Energy Transition Talks podcast series, CGI experts Frank Sent and Mark van Engelen discuss the foundational aspects of unlocking the potential of hydrogen, from regulations and funding to collaboration and innovation.Europe is making significant strides in exploring hydrogen's potential to meet ambitious net-zero emissions targets, through a mix of funding, innovation, ecosystem collaboration and strategies.For instance, there are about 35 hydrogen valleys worldwide, of which 24 are in Europe, says Frank. These projects simulate a hydrogen ecosystem, from production and storage to transportation and consumption, to learn about the technology needed and how the value chain could work. "I think this could also be applied in North America as well,” says Frank. Another example is the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative focused on a dedicated hydrogen transport infrastructure across Europe. "There are 31 transport service operators (TSOs) in Europe working on how to transport hydrogen from different suppliers to the industries, which have the biggest need for hydrogen," says Frank. He adds that the war in Ukraine war has accelerated efforts to expand the hydrogen pipeline infrastructure from previously set targets. Driving forward data-driven decision-makingAs data becomes increasingly important, Mark notes North America has invested in data lakes to understand asset performance and build automation on top of those data sets. "These technology and data advances can help make hydrogen technology even more efficient than a couple of years ago," he says.In this regard, sector coupling will become relevant to understanding what is happening across electricity, gas and hydrogen grids. Frank says data is essential to decide when to produce hydrogen or inject electricity or hydrogen into the grid. Moreover, Frank foresees data lakes becoming more popular. "You have to consider many attributes like the weather forecast, market price, stock market price, demand and supply of hydrogen and other energy sources. You need to work with the data in real-time, and the energy and utilities sector will see a drastic increase in machine learning and data scientists in this area," he says.  In North America, Mark shares that some organizations have been focused on automation for several years to leverage AI and machine learning on their data sets and provide streaming data to operations. "We're also seeing an increase in satellite information to ensure the safety and integrity of pipelines," adding that he expects to see the same trajectory for hydrogen, which will be treated as a new asset.Visit our Energy Transition Talks page

03/06/2022 • 23:39