Digital trust key to scaling artificial intelligence safely in energy networks, says DNV

DNV has today launched a new position paper on managing artificial intelligence (AI) system risk in energy networks, setting out digital trust as a foundation for the safe, transparent and accountable use of AI across the energy transition. The paper, Managing AI system risk within energy networks through digital trust, was launched at the All Energy conference in Glasgow.

As energy systems become more digital, automated and data driven, AI and advanced analytics are increasingly shaping how networks plan, operate and invest. DNV’s paper argues that without explicit frameworks for digital trust, the growing use of AI introduces new risks - from system resilience and operational control to consumer outcomes and regulatory confidence.

The paper defines digital trust as justified confidence that digital and AI enabled systems will behave predictably, remain under control and align with public interest outcomes throughout their lifecycle. It positions digital trust as a practical enabler of innovation, allowing network operators to move AI solutions from pilots into business as usual deployment without compromising safety or accountability.

Hari Vamadevan, DNV
Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV

Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV said “AI is becoming integral to how energy networks run but scaling it without assurance creates new and very real risks. Digital trust is what allows operators to deploy AI with confidence - knowing systems will behave as expected, remain under control and deliver outcomes that regulators and customers can rely on.”

The paper places these challenges in the context of the UK energy transition, where electrification, decentralisation and variable renewables are increasing system complexity and reliance on real time data and algorithmic decision making. Drawing on evidence from network innovation projects, it highlights how gaps in confidence around data quality, model behaviour and governance continue to slow the adoption of digital and AI solutions.

A key focus is AI assurance and the structured approach to building confidence in how AI systems perform not only in testing, but in live, safety and consumer relevant operations. The paper sets out why assurance, monitoring and governance are essential to deploying AI responsibly at scale.

Graham Faiz, DNV
Graham Faiz, Head of Digital Energy, UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV

These themes are illustrated through DNV’s work on the Intelligent Gas Grid programme, a UK government initiative aimed at transforming gas distribution networks to be more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly, which demonstrates how digital trust principles can support AI enabled innovation in a safety critical network environment under regulatory scrutiny.

“Ultimately, the energy transition will have to be digital, but it will only succeed if it is trusted,” Graham Faiz, Head of Digital Energy, UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV added. “Digital trust turns AI from interesting analytics-driven automation into trusted and resilient cyber-physical infrastructure that can deliver real benefits to consumers such as fewer disruptions, lower costs, faster decarbonization, and a power system that works more predictably.”

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About DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries, with the purpose of safeguarding life, property, and the environment. Whether assessing a new ship design, qualifying technology for a floating wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline, or certifying a food company's supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to manage technological and regulatory complexity with confidence. As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our broad experience and deep expertise to advance safety and sustainable performance, set industry standards, and inspire and invent solutions.

In the energy industry
DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services. As the world's leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.