The case study follows E.ON, the German energy utility, on its ‘data’ journey and explores the challenges and lessons encountered while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations as it prepares for the global ‘energy transition’. Its transformation begins with a process dubbed ‘data evangelisation’ that is designed to advance the company’s data readiness and related organisational changes such as setting up a dedicated supporting unit with a global mandate. Through the Data.ON programme and AI, E.ON takes its capabilities to the next level and develops new solutions in close collaboration with the business. The case explores questions such as: What does the use of AI imply for a business, particularly in the energy sector? How can value be created with AI? What are the prospects, barriers and challenges of its adoption? These questions, touched on by the case, invite students to consider similar issues facing many companies today and in the future.
The case provides insight and discussion about how to develop AI capabilities in an organisation, how value can be created with AI and can be measured, and how an organisation can be transformed through adopting new AI solutions. The key takeaways can be applied to companies beyond the energy sector.
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Digital transformation
- Big data
- Data readiness
- Data evangelisation
- Data awareness
- Value creation
- Decarbonisation
- Energy transition
- Renewable energy
- Smart grid
- Energy
- Q22020