The Hypercube Energy Podcast

This week’s guest on the Hypercube podcast is Anjukan Kathirgamanathan, Senior Data Scientist at GridBeyond. As part of the modelling and forecasting team, Anjukan joins us to talk about machine learning (ML) techniques in the energy space.

Adam and Anjukan take a deep dive into reinforcement learning (RL), a subset of ML. RL enables an agent to learn how to take the optimal set of actions by interacting with a dynamic environment, learning in a similar way to humans. It is an area with great possibilities for the energy space, but there are a number of challenges to overcome—from educating customers to having sector-specific talent. Anjukan shares his perspective as a data scientist working on real-world RL applications.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Human oversight in AI-powered trading.
• Data quality for ML modelling.
• Challenges in deploying RL in practical applications.
• Managing smaller, distributed resources with RL
• Attracting data science talent to the industry.

 The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth.

Chapter Markers

[0:30] Anjukan introduces himself and gives an overview of where GridBeyond sits in the ecosystem.

[3:02] Anjukan explains why pricing is the area of forecasting where he sees the greatest value-add.

[4:31] Adam asks Anjukan to talk more about AI-based control methods and reinforcement learning.

[7:57] Anjukan digs deeper into the topic of reinforcement learning and the challenges of bringing it to market.

[10:59] Adam and Anjukan discuss how to help customers buy-in to reinforcement learning.

[14:41] Anjukan shares his advice for battery owner start-ups interested in adopting AI and reinforcement learning.

[16:57] Anjukan gives his view on the potential for reinforcement learning to be used within the energy industry.

[19:13] Adam asks Anjukan to share his perspective on the talent crunch in AI and reinforcement learning, specifically for the energy sector.

[21:30] Anjukan emphasises multi-agent reinforcement learning in the energy space as an area he thinks will be exciting over the next few years.  

[23:00] Anjukan speaks about the technologies he feels are overhyped in the energy space.

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/ 

This week, Rachel Hassall, Head of Data Analytics at SSE, drops into the Hypercube podcast to share her insights on how SSE is tackling data analytics and what the future holds for the organisation and the energy sector as a whole.

Rachel walks us through the nuts and bolts of how SSE is approaching data analytics, the transition from a centralised to a federated model, and how her team is helping enable the company's vision of leading in low-carbon, localised energy infrastructure solutions.

We get Rachel’s take on a wide range of topics, from the foundational need for data quality to the future and the need for tools like time series forecasting. Rachel shares her perspective on current environmental issues and the need for sustainability to become as important as cost when looking at optimisation. 

In this episode, we discussed:

• Insight into how SSE is approaching data, from the tech stack to future projects. 
• The importance of quality data as a foundation for all data initiatives. 
• How rising interest in energy and sustainability is positively impacting recruitment. 
• The importance of avoiding distractions on your data journey and linking to business strategy.
• The sustainability challenges of data centres and how they impact the green agenda. 

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth.

Chapter Markers

[0:29] Rachel gives an overview of her role as Head of Data Analytics at SSE, her career journey to date and the evolution of data analytics within SSE.

[5:45] Adam asks Rachel to give some insight into the tech stack within SSE and asks about the customers and end-users they serve.

[8:26] Rachel explains some of the challenges of communicating forecasting and model performance and ways to approach presenting technical findings.

[9:38] Rachel walks through how forecasting tools have changed and what this looks like within SSE.

[10:48] Rachel and Adam discuss the increasing interest in forecasting and the energy market more generally, and how this has impacted recruitment.

[12:37] Rachel highlights some of the upcoming exciting projects at SSE, including full microgrid optimisation.

[14:10] When asked about market challenges, Rachel emphasises the need for reliable data quality, data access, and data interoperability.

[15:24] Rachel shares her advice for organisations and individuals who are on their own data analytics journey.

[16:16] Rachel shares thoughts on how the next generation will view attitudes toward data storage.

[17:51] Adam asks Rachel to share her view on the big trends over the next five years.

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/ 

This week we are joined on the Hypercube podcast by Chris Wallace, Head of Data and Analytics at InterGen, to get his take on how data and AI are impacting both the organisation, and the wider industry.

Chris takes us behind the scenes at InterGen and talks through how the data team is working closely to support the trading team and the business more broadly. He cuts through the hype of new technologies, focusing on where the application of established technologies like predictive modelling and automation can have a tangible business impact. He also highlights the limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT, emphasising the importance of trust and confidence in the models being used, and gives us a frank and realistic assessment of the current landscape.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Taking a cautious approach to cloud migration.
• The challenge of finding the overlap between on-premises and cloud skills
• Which data tools are currently adding the most value. 
• The need for data teams to educate the wider business
• Delivering data tools that work for the end user

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth.

Chapter Markers

[0:29] Chris gives a quick introduction to InterGen and his role with the company.

[2:42] Chris explains the need for caution when tackling cloud migration in the energy industry.

[4:00] Chris discusses some of the skills challenges in the energy sector and attracting the right talent.

[5:18] Adam asks if there is anything now holding back the energy/utility sectors.

[7:52] Chris shares his perspective on the current use of AI and data science in the industry.

[9:31] Chris shares his view on educating non-technical stakeholders on the limitations of AI.

[13:16] Chris highlights the need to be cautious about what can be achieved with LLMs.

[15:06] Chris talks about some of the ways AI and data are being used to support energy trading.

[20:53] Chris talks about implementing tools that work for the end user.

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/  

This week, Sallyann Blackett, Head of Volume Forecasting at E.ON, joins us on the Hypercube podcast for a deep dive into the challenges and developments in energy forecasting. 

Sallyann lifts the lid on how the forecasting teams operate within one of the energy world’s biggest players. She discusses her team's work predicting gas and electricity demands both long- and short-term. She talks through the complex modelling and inputs used, as well as challenges around data analysis and accounting for external factors from the weather to the cost of living. She explains why forecasting is about more than just data, the value of a good team, and where AI fits into the energy forecasting operations of the future. 

In this episode, we covered: 

• Managing long- and short-term forecasting challenges
• Using gut instinct alongside data models 
• The value of a strong in-house team to avoid blocks and bottlenecks 
• Playing catch up with solar energy modelling 
• A cautious approach to AI 

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth. 

Chapter markers: 

[0:49] Sallyann introduces herself and gives a quick rundown of her role as Head of Volume Forecasting at E.ON.

[2:08] Sallyann explains some of the complexities of forecasting across various energy sources and business units in both the short- and long-term. 

[3:31] Sallyann shares more on how her team uses different processes and models for accurate long and short-term predictions. 

[6:53] Sallyann discusses the need to account for factors like weather and customer behaviour, and the need to employ instincts alongside data to get the best results. 

[9:53] Sallyann talks about how and why E.ON develops its forecasting models in-house.

[13:39] Adam asks Sallyann about the challenges of analysing large datasets and prioritising areas of focus.

[16:25] Sallyann discusses the current tools her teams are using for data analysis.

[18:41] Sallyann explores the issues that arise from being too dependent on external teams, individuals with particular skills, or specific vendors. 

[23:19] Sallyann discusses how AI and ML are enhancing forecasting capabilities but also stresses the need for caution.

[25:26] Sallyann shares where listeners can find out more about working with E.ON 

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/  

This week, Dario Hernandez, Head of Energy Storage at Next Energy Capital (NEC), joins the Hypercube podcast to share his take on the role of storage to enable the energy transition.

The episode takes a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities surrounding energy storage. From the issue of slow grid connection times to the underutilization of existing data assets, Dario shares his perspective on how the industry needs to evolve to take full advantage of energy storage, particularly to deal with the supply and demand imbalance of renewables. Based on his role at NEC, Dario is also able to give particular insight into investor priorities in the sector and shares his take on the innovations that will shape the industry over the next 5-10 years.

In this episode, we discuss: 

· The role of energy storage in enabling the ‘flexibility revolution’

· The importance of ‘optionality’ in the sector for investors

· Storage as the missing link for decarbonization

· The benefits of piggybacking the EV industry to accelerate energy storage innovation

· How data from existing assets can be used to improve the efficiency of the grid

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth. 

Chapter markers: 

[0:49] Dario makes a quick introduction and gives an overview of his role at Next Energy Capital.

[1:44] Dario explains the role of energy storage in the energy transition and as an enabler for greater renewable energy penetration.

[4:19] Dario discusses where the UK sits on energy storage innovation in comparison to other regions.

[5:19] Dario shares his insight into how NEC approaches investments in the energy storage space.

[8:14] Dario highlights some of the considerations informing investor strategies in the energy sector.

[12:27] Dario explains how investment in the electric vehicle space is expediting battery development for energy storage.  

[16:09] Dario emphasizes the challenge of connecting energy storage solutions to the grid.

[18:55] Dario discusses the role of data in managing supply and demand imbalance in the national grid.

[22:08] Dario gives an overview of some of the success stories he has seen at NEC.

[24:38] Adam asks Dario to share his take on the big innovative technologies of the next 5-10 years.

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/

Today, we speak with Bex Stone and Adam Dawson from Exawatt - a strategic consulting firm for the solar PV, power electronics, EV and high-purity quartz and lithium-ion battery markets.

On this episode, we discuss:

The challenges in long-term forecasting in the semiconductor industry due to the qualitative nature and ambiguity in data.

The future of the silicon carbide market, including potential overcapacity due to current investment trends.

Examination of China's investment in wafer capacity and its potential impact on the global market

The difficulties in integrating new tech into industries like electric vehicles as a result of conservative technology adoption practices.

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Make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth with Hypercube – the data and artificial intelligence consultancy for the energy sector. Book a free strategy call with our team today here: https://wearehypercube.com/book-a-strategy-call/

In this episode of the Hypercube podcast, host Adam Sroka is joined by Connor Galbraith, Consultant Data Scientist at Energy Systems Catapult (ESC). Connor shares insights from the RetroMeter project at ESC.

He explains how using smart meter data and modelling techniques allows for more accurate measurement of the energy savings resulting from retrofitted energy efficiency measures.

This week, we sit down to discuss: 

• The impact of the gas price spike on consumer behaviour. 
• The RetroMeter project and the potential opportunities it unlocks.
• Overcoming the challenges of working with gas smart meter data.
• How to utilise energy data projects, like RetroMeter, in the real-world.
• Issues with the UK talent pipeline and the knock-on effect on decarbonisation.

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth. 

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[0:39] Connor gives an overview of his current role at ESC.

[2:19] Adam asks Connor to share insights from his time working on the RetroMeter project.

[3:53] Connor explains how RetroMeter can unlock Pay for Performance financing packages for retrofits in the UK.

[5:45] Connor walks through some of the methodologies being used as part of the project.

[12:31] Adam and Connor discuss the quality of the data sets being used as part of RetroMeter.

[15:10] Connor talks about the future of the project and how it can contribute to meeting net zero goals.

[18:27] Connor explores the challenges he sees in academics translating innovative ideas into production-ready code that can be used in industry.

[20:31] Connor emphasises the importance of successful trials to get buy-in for decarbonisation projects.

[23:24] Connor highlights the impact of a limited talent pipeline in the UK on decarbonisation.

[25:25] Connor shares where listeners wanting to know about ESC and RetroMeter can find more information.

If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/

This week, Duncan Bain, Senior System Engineer at SAS, sits down with the Hypercube podcast to talk about forecasting. 

Forecasting is the cornerstone of an efficient and reliable energy network, and it is a staple of the sector. Duncan gives his take on how it has evolved over his 15 years in the industry and the impact of new technologies, from distributed assets to AI. Alongside the technical aspect, he also digs into the human elements that can be a barrier to the adoption of digital technologies in the energy sector and how to overcome them.

In our conversation, we cover: 

• The need for forecasting in the energy sector
• How new trends and technologies are influencing forecasting techniques
• The value of industry-specific expertise
• The problem of people and overcoming human barriers to AI success
• Navigating AI hype cycles to ensure technologies deliver maximum impact

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth. 

Chapter markers: 

[0:44] Duncan gives an overview of how he fell into the industry before touching on what is involved in his current role.

[4:00] Host Adam asks Duncan about the importance of forecasting in the energy industry, particularly around new technologies.

[6:51] Duncan explains the need for different forecasting techniques to deal with the increasing use of distributed energy resources.

[8:36] Adam talks about a recent Hackathon run by Hypercube and his takeaways from the event.

[9:33] Duncan emphasises the need for critical thinking to enable teams to create features that account for differences in behaviour between different subsegments.

[11:07] Duncan shares his predictions for the energy sector, particularly forecasting tools to deal with increasing demand for flexibility services.

[15:04] Duncan and Adam discuss the benefits of working with industry-specific experts and the value of working with a partner network. 

[18:52] Duncan talks about the human challenge of helping customers embrace the changes they need to achieve their goals.

[22:05] Duncan highlights the importance of aligning AI development with business objectives rather than getting caught up with hype cycles.

[24:38] Duncan shares where you can go to find out more about his work and SAS, including details of an upcoming hackathon in Las Vegas.

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/ 

This week on the Hypercube podcast, we are joined by Samuel Young, Practice Manager for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Energy Systems Catapult.

Working as part of the Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation's Virtual Centre of Excellence (ADViCE) program, Sam shares his perspective on getting the most out of AI for Decarbonisation. From how to approach the technology to get the best results to the cultural shifts needed for AI to have an impact, Sam gives his take on everything AI and decarbonisation related. 

 In our conversation, we discuss: 

• The Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation's Virtual Centre of Excellence (ADViCE) program.
• Avoiding the ‘efficiency trap’ when identifying AI opportunities.
• Using AI and data science to improve heat pump adoption rates in the UK.
• Accelerating decarbonisation by improving grid network connection times for renewables.
• How future breakthroughs in time series forecasting methods could significantly help problems in the energy sector. 

The weekly Hypercube podcast sits down with leaders in the energy and utilities sectors to explore how data analytics can help businesses make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth. 

Chapter markers:  

[00:48] Sam gives a quick overview at the Catapult's and talks about the AI for Decarbonisation's Virtual Centre of Excellence (ADViCE).

[4:41] Host Adam asks what to look for in an AI application to accelerate decarbonisation.

[6:52] Sam gives his view on using AI and data science to drive the decarbonisation of UK homes, particularly when it comes to encouraging heat pump adoption.

 [11:49] Sam discusses the flexibility needed to ensure the energy network can cope with high heat pump adoption.  

 [13:40] Sam highlights the importance of getting more green, renewable assets live and connected to the grid.

[15:50] Sam highlights that organisational culture and mindset are essential for AI and data science adoption, not just individual skills.

 [16:45] Sam illustrates the need for buy-in by sharing the ‘most successful and least successful data science project he’s ever worked on.’

 [21:46] Sam gives an insight into how decarbonisation challenges impact the manufacturing sector.

 [20:04] Adam and Sam discuss the need for a time series breakthrough in AI and the potential impact this will have on the energy sector.

[24:09] Sam runs through where listeners can go to find out more about the topics covered in today’s episode. 

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Find out more here: https://www.turing.ac.uk/research/research-projects/advice

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/ 

This week on the Hypercube Podcast, Morgan Pare, Lead Data Scientist Australia at Habitat Energy, joins us. Habitat Energy offers a specialist optimisation and trading platform for grid-scale battery storage and renewables in the UK, the US, and Australia.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to optimise merchant revenues for battery energy storage systems and renewable assets using data modelling.
• Why it is crucial to regularly retrain machine learning models to account for data drift and improve forecast accuracy.
• Why a "human in the loop" approach works to give traders digestible insights while allowing them to take manual control as needed.
• How battery optimisation can de-risk investment in renewable assets and why it is vital to the green transition.
• How data modelling and automation are empowering traders operating in Australia's 5-minute energy markets

The fortnightly Hypercube podcast sits with experts in the energy and utilities industries to discuss real-world examples of how data and AI are advancing the sector.

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(0:44) Morgan Pare overviews his work at Habitat and the Australian energy market.

(2:07) Morgan explains the approaches his team is taking to deliver robust energy forecasting and why classical machine learning approaches don't work.

(04:49) Morgan explains why price-taker strategies are common in the Australian energy market.

(05:48) Morgan and Host Adam discuss the impact of data drift on energy forecasting models and the need for model hygiene.

(7:40) Morgan explains probabilistic forecasting and the benefits of taking this approach.

(08:55) Adam asks what Habitat looks like for the end user, with Morgan explaining that they use a human-in-the-loop approach.

(10:15) Morgan discusses the importance of battery optimisation as part of the green transition and the key considerations, including how they differ when considering non-lithium batteries.

(15:23) Morgan and Adam discuss the critical differences between the UK and Australian energy markets, focusing on the pace of change and the differences in data feeds.

(17:20) Morgan discusses why automation is critical in 5-minute markets to allow traders to capitalise on opportunities.

(20:02) Morgan discusses the importance of data scientists in the energy industry and their role in accelerating the green energy transition.

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If you want to explore how data and artificial intelligence can be used to help your organisation make smarter decisions and accelerate business growth, get in touch by visiting the Hypercube website: https://wearehypercube.com/