DNV warns AI scaling in energy networks requires digital trust
(WO) — DNV has released a new position paper outlining what it describes as the growing need for “digital trust” frameworks as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into energy networks and infrastructure operations.
The paper, launched during the All Energy conference in Glasgow, focuses on managing AI-related operational risks across increasingly digital and automated energy systems.
According to DNV, utilities and network operators are relying more heavily on AI, advanced analytics and automated decision-making tools to manage growing system complexity tied to electrification, decentralized power generation and renewable energy integration.
The company said that without stronger governance, monitoring and assurance frameworks, broader AI deployment could introduce risks related to operational control, system resilience, data quality and regulatory oversight.
DNV defines digital trust as confidence that AI-enabled systems will operate predictably, remain under control and continue aligning with operational and public-interest objectives throughout their lifecycle.
“AI is becoming integral to how energy networks run, but scaling it without assurance creates new and very real risks,” said Hari Vamadevan, senior vice president and regional director for UK and Ireland energy systems at DNV. “Digital trust is what allows operators to deploy AI with confidence.”
The report emphasizes AI assurance and governance as central requirements for moving AI technologies from pilot projects into broader operational deployment across critical infrastructure.
DNV also highlighted lessons from its work on the UK government-backed Intelligent Gas Grid program, which is focused on improving efficiency, safety and operational performance across gas distribution networks using digital technologies and AI-enabled systems.
The company said concerns surrounding model transparency, governance and confidence in AI-generated outputs continue slowing adoption of AI technologies across parts of the energy sector despite growing industry interest in automation and real-time operational analytics.
“Ultimately, the energy transition will have to be digital, but it will only succeed if it is trusted,” said Graham Faiz, head of digital energy for UK and Ireland energy systems at DNV.
