The NETL Science-based Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Institute (SAMI) recently ramped up efforts to connect artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) researchers working on clean energy technologies by hosting a Jan. 19 Ai4AE Day Workshop and expanding the reach of its biweekly Artificial Intelligence for Applied Energy (Ai4AE) digital communication. 

“The goal of this inaugural Ai4AE Day Workshop was to catalyze connections and socialize AI/ML research within NETL for the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM),” said Kelly Rose, SAMI technical director. “Feedback from our participants and stakeholders indicate that this first event was a resounding success and helped build awareness of crosscutting efforts and promote knowledge sharing across the community.”

After opening remarks by Rose, NETL Director Brian Anderson delivered a keynote address in which he emphasized that AI/ML offers the unique opportunity to “create our future” as we travel down the path toward decarbonization. Frederick Streitz, science advisor for DOE’s Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office followed Anderson, noting the business growth that AI will enable. Darren Mollot, director of DOE’s Exploratory Research and Innovation rounded out the keynotes by discussing some of FECM’s investments in AI capabilities. 

Following the keynotes, NETL researchers presented some of the Lab’s most cutting-edge AI/ML projects covering a wide array of energy research topics during 28 fast-paced presentations. 

“These lightning talks really allowed researchers to establish connections across the Laboratory’s different centers that they might not have made otherwise,” Rose said. “By coming together for the workshop, the researchers are seeing opportunities for collaboration across our research mission space.” Plans are underway to expand the event to the AI/ML community at large and make the workshop a biannual event.

Complimenting the success of the Ai4AE workshop, SAMI expanded its biweekly Ai4AE news update to include distribution to external subscribers, including from government agencies, industry and academia. The Ai4AE Update digital communication includes the latest news and advances in AI/ML across NETL, government and industry, including external funding opportunities, recently awarded proposals, papers and publications, industry news, upcoming events and conferences, career and internship opportunities and more.

“Beyond sharing timely and useful applied energy AI/ML information, the news update allows this active community to connect, which can lead to opportunities for data discovery, support of proposal planning, and growth of funding,” Rose said. 

Sign up for the Ai4AE Update here to receive all the latest applied energy AI/ML news including future announcements for Ai4AE events.

SAMI was established in 2020 and combines the strengths of NETL’s energy computational scientists, data scientists, and subject matter experts with strategic partners to drive solutions to today’s energy challenges. The institute has a vision to leverage science-based models, AI/ML methods, data analytics, and high-performance computing to accelerate applied technology development for clean, efficient, and affordable energy production and utilization.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.