Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 11:17 .

TotalEnergies' Dr Etienne Drahi Highlights AI's Role in Accelerating Solar Energy Deployment and Management

Dr Etienne Drahi, head of Solar R&D at TotalEnergies, discusses the company's integrated approach to electricity and its ambitious renewable energy goals. By 2030, they aim for 100 gigawatts of renewables with a significant focus on solar power. The company is leveraging AI in various aspects such as resource estimation, component selection, and performance delivery to enhance asset management in solar PV operations. AI-driven predictions are used from resources to power generation which includes machine learning models that outperform traditional physics-based ones despite challenges like irradiance forecasting errors. Hybrid models combining data-driven approaches with physics-based methods are being explored for better prediction accuracy across their global portfolio of projects. Additionally, advanced technologies like image segmentation and generative AI improve intraday forecasting essential for trading optimization and operational control. Autonomous maintenance using drones or robots is also highlighted as crucial for efficient operation by detecting anomalies or managing vegetation autonomously—demonstrating how deeply embedded AI has become within the sector's rapid growth trajectory.

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Speaker

Dr Etienne Drahi
Head of Solar R&D
TotalEnergies
France

Talk of session: Utility-Scale Solar Power II: Digitalization & AI Transforming the Industry

Digitalization has already revolutionized utility-scale solar, and now AI is emerging as the next game-changer, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing performance across a solar power plant's entire lifecycle. From site selection and energy yield prediction to financial modeling during the development, design optimization and automation during construction, and predictive maintenance for O&M, AI and digital tools are transforming how solar power plants are planned, built, and operated. But with solar becoming a critical part of our energy infrastructure, concerns about cyberattacks are growing. This session will provide: Overview of digital, IOT and AI tools across all phases of a solar plant's lifecycle Insight on the opportunities and limitations of today's digital and AI solutions in the solar industry Discussion on cybersecurity risks and mitigation strategies for solar power systems.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Adele Ara
Chief Technology Officer
Lightsource bp
United Kingdom

To Talk

Overview Digital and AI Applications in Utility-Scale Solar

Speaker

Dr. David Moser
Managing Director
Becquerel Institute
Belgium

To Talk

Challenges of AI in the Life of Developer

Speaker

Dr. Pierre-Jean Alet
Group Leader, Digital Energy Solutions
CSEM
Switzerland

To Talk

Cybersecurity - How to Keep Solar Energy Infrastructure Safe?

Speaker

To Talk

Panel Discussion: AI in Utility-Scale Solar: Ready for Prime Time or Still in Beta?

Speaker

To Talk