For most industries, the conversations in 2024 around artificial intelligence (AI) have focused on how new computing capabilities can drive efficiencies and transform the future of work. But the conversation is a bit more complicated in the world of ClimateTech. AI is certainly helping CleanTech companies collect better data and build better products to prepare us for a more climate-resilient future. But that comes at a price, since current AI models rack up heavy server bills and a high carbon footprint.
So can AI actually help us reach our most pressing climate and energy goals? That was the topic at the heart of the panel conversation that took place on Monday evening at the Clubhouse at Tech Square Social Club in Atlanta. The Technology Association of Georgia brought together startup leaders and corporate executives to discuss the possibilities…and the potential pitfalls…of working at the intersection of AI and ClimateTech.
Here were some of our takeaways from the event:
We are in the early innings
When asked, the consensus of all the panelists was that the ClimateTech industry is in the “early innings” when it comes to implementing AI. A lot of uncertainty remains as the industry awaits government regulations. Both startups and enterprises alike are looking to leverage technology to tackle the biggest climate problems of our time. Katie Ottenweller, who is the Southeast lead for Energy Policy and Markets at Google, explained there is still a lot of work that has to be done around commercializing efforts, which could impact how the industry moves forward.
But even in the early innings, the conversation about AI’s role in ClimateTech right now is crucial, said panelist Matt Cox, CEO and founder of Greenlink Analytics, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on clean energy and equity research.
“We are in the middle of a transformational moment that doesn’t come along with all that often,” said panelist Matt Cox, CEO and founder of Greenlink Analytics, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on clean energy and equity research. “The things that underpin the entire economy need to go through a rapid change. We’re in that right now. And I don’t want us to lose that moment.”
Part of the reality of being in the early innings is that the industry is still trying to figure out exactly what to focus on, added startup CEO over at Joulea, Ramtin Motahar. He works with different companies that each have their “own version of what sustainability means.” Some are trying to become Net Zero by 2050 to hit UN development goals, while others are trying to beat their energy goals year-over-year.
But positive change is coming
While AI implementation in ClimateTech may be in the early stages right now, the panelists seemed largely bullish on opportunities. Patrick Chopson, co-founder of Atlanta-based cove.tool, has seen an overall maturity about how companies are thinking about implementing AI in a short period of time.
“A lot of people jumped out and tried to make a feature [using AI] that was not very useful or helpful. I think a lot of people skipped [proper design] in the first year. But this year, you can really see that everyone is thinking about how to make something that [customers] will actually purchase. And you are starting to see that affect how investors value companies,” Chopson said.
He added that it is important that businesses think about the specific way AI can solve individual problems. For cove.tool, that looks like helping their architecture clients really understand the data created through their sophisticated simulation software they have been building out of the years.
Want to catch the next conversation? Keep your eye on the Technology Association of Georgia’s event page.