Another great XEnergy event: The application of AI to develop ground-breaking new materials and overcoming barriers to energy re

This week, Verco attended the XEnergy event in London. There was a mind-blowing key note speech by Justin Hall-Tipping, on the application of artificial intelligence and big data, to achieve a step change in the development of new materials: creating a database of thousands of publications on material science. Artificial intelligence is used to draw on this and rapidly identify new molecular combinations. This can be used to produce new materials that address a broad range of technological challenges.

The leadership panel provided inspiring insights and success stories from Whitbread, Heathrow Airport and BT, addressing the complex mix of corporate, technological, supply chain and behavioural challenges to achieve energy and carbon reductions. The disruption panel provided challenges and solutions that were diverse and thought provoking. From applying AI to efficiently keep antelope warm (Marwell Wildlife), to advocating standardised mini-nuclear as part of the solution to the climate change challenge (Energy for Humanity).

In addition to this, the round tables were engaging forums for attendees to discuss and share views and experience. The Verco hosted table ‘Addressing systemic barriers to achieve energy reduction’ explored how to translate corporate commitments into on-the-ground change. Soft and hard behaviour change initiatives were particularly prevalent in the discussions; from the use of league tables to encourage competition, to bonuses directly linked to efficiency improvements.

All in the company of large number of friendly fellow professionals with a common ambition to tackle energy reduction and climate change.

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