IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/sae/engenv/v35y2024i7p3833-3879.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Optimizing renewable energy systems through artificial intelligence: Review and future prospects

Author

Listed:
  • Kingsley Ukoba
  • Kehinde O. Olatunji
  • Eyitayo Adeoye
  • Tien-Chien Jen
  • Daniel M. Madyira

Abstract

The global transition toward sustainable energy sources has prompted a surge in the integration of renewable energy systems (RES) into existing power grids. To improve the efficiency, reliability, and economic viability of these systems, the synergistic application of artificial intelligence (AI) methods has emerged as a promising avenue. This study presents a comprehensive review of the current state of research at the intersection of renewable energy and AI, highlighting key methodologies, challenges, and achievements. It covers a spectrum of AI utilizations in optimizing different facets of RES, including resource assessment, energy forecasting, system monitoring, control strategies, and grid integration. Machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and optimization techniques are explored for their role in complex data sets, enhancing predictive capabilities, and dynamically adapting RES. Furthermore, the study discusses the challenges faced in the implementation of AI in RES, such as data variability, model interpretability, and real-time adaptability. The potential benefits of overcoming these challenges include increased energy yield, reduced operational costs, and improved grid stability. The review concludes with an exploration of prospects and emerging trends in the field. Anticipated advancements in AI, such as explainable AI, reinforcement learning, and edge computing, are discussed in the context of their potential impact on optimizing RES. Additionally, the paper envisions the integration of AI-driven solutions into smart grids, decentralized energy systems, and the development of autonomous energy management systems. This investigation provides important insights into the current landscape of AI applications in RES.

Suggested Citation

  • Kingsley Ukoba & Kehinde O. Olatunji & Eyitayo Adeoye & Tien-Chien Jen & Daniel M. Madyira, 2024. "Optimizing renewable energy systems through artificial intelligence: Review and future prospects," Energy & Environment, , vol. 35(7), pages 3833-3879, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:35:y:2024:i:7:p:3833-3879
    DOI: 10.1177/0958305X241256293
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0958305X241256293
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1177/0958305X241256293?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Olatunji, Kehinde O. & Ahmed, Noor A. & Madyira, Daniel M. & Adebayo, Ademola O. & Ogunkunle, Oyetola & Adeleke, Oluwatobi, 2022. "Performance evaluation of ANFIS and RSM modeling in predicting biogas and methane yields from Arachis hypogea shells pretreated with size reduction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 288-303.
    2. Lu-Miao Li & Peng Zhou & Wen Wen, 2023. "Distributed Renewable Energy Investment: The Effect of Time-of-Use Pricing," The Energy Journal, , vol. 44(5), pages 251-276, September.
    3. Baumann, Manuel & Weil, Marcel & Peters, Jens F. & Chibeles-Martins, Nelson & Moniz, Antonio B., 2019. "A review of multi-criteria decision making approaches for evaluating energy storage systems for grid applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 516-534.
    4. Lund, Henrik, 2007. "Renewable energy strategies for sustainable development," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 912-919.
    5. Yvonne Vogt Gwerder & Nuno Carvalho Figueiredo & Patrícia Pereira da Silva, 2019. "Investing in Smart Grids: Assessing the Influence of Regulatory and Market Factors on Investment Level," The Energy Journal, , vol. 40(4), pages 25-44, July.
    6. Fontina Petrakopoulou, 2017. "The Social Perspective on the Renewable Energy Autonomy of Geographically Isolated Communities: Evidence from a Mediterranean Island," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-8, February.
    7. Juan D. Velásquez & Lorena Cadavid & Carlos J. Franco, 2023. "Intelligence Techniques in Sustainable Energy: Analysis of a Decade of Advances," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-45, October.
    8. Ram Avtar & Netrananda Sahu & Ashwani Kumar Aggarwal & Shamik Chakraborty & Ali Kharrazi & Ali P. Yunus & Jie Dou & Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, 2019. "Exploring Renewable Energy Resources Using Remote Sensing and GIS—A Review," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-23, August.
    9. Tang, Rui & Wang, Shengwei, 2019. "Model predictive control for thermal energy storage and thermal comfort optimization of building demand response in smart grids," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C), pages 873-882.
    10. Amjad Ali & Wuhua Li & Rashid Hussain & Xiangning He & Barry W. Williams & Abdul Hameed Memon, 2017. "Overview of Current Microgrid Policies, Incentives and Barriers in the European Union, United States and China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-28, June.
    11. Ezbakhe, Fatine & Pérez-Foguet, Agustí, 2021. "Decision analysis for sustainable development: The case of renewable energy planning under uncertainty," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 291(2), pages 601-613.
    12. Abolhosseini, Shahrouz & Heshmati, Almas, 2014. "The main support mechanisms to finance renewable energy development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 876-885.
    13. Lund, H. & Mathiesen, B.V., 2009. "Energy system analysis of 100% renewable energy systems—The case of Denmark in years 2030 and 2050," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 524-531.
    14. Valor, Carmen & Escudero, Carmen & Labajo, Victoria & Cossent, Rafael, 2019. "Effective design of domestic energy efficiency displays: A proposed architecture based on empirical evidence," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 1-1.
    15. Ganesh, Akhil Hannegudda & Xu, Bin, 2022. "A review of reinforcement learning based energy management systems for electrified powertrains: Progress, challenge, and potential solution," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    16. Hasna Hissou & Said Benkirane & Azidine Guezzaz & Mourade Azrour & Abderrahim Beni-Hssane, 2023. "A Novel Machine Learning Approach for Solar Radiation Estimation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, July.
    17. Kehinde O. Olatunji & Daniel M. Madyira, 2023. "Optimization of Biomethane Yield of Xyris capensis Grass Using Oxidative Pretreatment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-11, May.
    18. Hussain, Akhtar & Bui, Van-Hai & Kim, Hak-Man, 2019. "Microgrids as a resilience resource and strategies used by microgrids for enhancing resilience," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C), pages 56-72.
    19. Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    20. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    21. Lu-Miao Li, Peng Zhou, and Wen Wen, 2023. "Distributed Renewable Energy Investment: The Effect of Time-of-Use Pricing," The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, vol. 0(Number 5).
    22. He, Zhaoyu & Guo, Weimin & Zhang, Peng, 2022. "Performance prediction, optimal design and operational control of thermal energy storage using artificial intelligence methods," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    23. Houben, Nikolaus & Cosic, Armin & Stadler, Michael & Mansoor, Muhammad & Zellinger, Michael & Auer, Hans & Ajanovic, Amela & Haas, Reinhard, 2023. "Optimal dispatch of a multi-energy system microgrid under uncertainty: A renewable energy community in Austria," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    24. Olga Bogdanova & Karīna Viskuba & Laila Zemīte, 2023. "A Review of Barriers and Enables in Demand Response Performance Chain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-33, September.
    25. Shin, Won & Han, Jeongyun & Rhee, Wonjong, 2021. "AI-assistance for predictive maintenance of renewable energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    26. Liu, Wen & Lund, Henrik & Mathiesen, Brian Vad & Zhang, Xiliang, 2011. "Potential of renewable energy systems in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(2), pages 518-525, February.
    27. Latifa A. Yousef & Hibba Yousef & Lisandra Rocha-Meneses, 2023. "Artificial Intelligence for Management of Variable Renewable Energy Systems: A Review of Current Status and Future Directions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-27, December.
    28. Mikkel L. Sørensen & Peter Nystrup & Mathias B. Bjerregård & Jan K. Møller & Peder Bacher & Henrik Madsen, 2023. "Recent developments in multivariate wind and solar power forecasting," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 12(2), March.
    29. Boza, Pal & Evgeniou, Theodoros, 2021. "Artificial intelligence to support the integration of variable renewable energy sources to the power system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    30. Sun, Leihou & Bai, Jianbo & Pachauri, Rupendra Kumar & Wang, Shitao, 2024. "A horizontal single-axis tracking bracket with an adjustable tilt angle and its adaptive real-time tracking system for bifacial PV modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    31. Sousa, Jorge & Lagarto, João & Camus, Cristina & Viveiros, Carla & Barata, Filipe & Silva, Pedro & Alegria, Ricardo & Paraíba, Orlando, 2023. "Renewable energy communities optimal design supported by an optimization model for investment in PV/wind capacity and renewable electricity sharing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    32. Sarker, Eity & Seyedmahmoudian, Mehdi & Jamei, Elmira & Horan, Ben & Stojcevski, Alex, 2020. "Optimal management of home loads with renewable energy integration and demand response strategy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    33. Thomas Davenport & Abhijit Guha & Dhruv Grewal & Timna Bressgott, 2020. "How artificial intelligence will change the future of marketing," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 48(1), pages 24-42, January.
    34. Yvonne Vogt Gwerder, Nuno Carvalho Figueiredo, and Patricia Pereira da Silva, 2019. "Investing in Smart Grids: Assessing the Influence of Regulatory and Market Factors on Investment Level," The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, vol. 0(Number 4).
    35. Bekirsky, N. & Hoicka, C.E. & Brisbois, M.C. & Ramirez Camargo, L., 2022. "Many actors amongst multiple renewables: A systematic review of actor involvement in complementarity of renewable energy sources," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Jonas Holzinger & Anna Nagl & Karlheinz Bozem & Carsten Lecon & Andreas Ensinger & Jannik Roessler & Christina Neufeld, 2025. "Business Case for a Regional AI-Based Marketplace for Renewable Energies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Tymoteusz Miller & Irmina Durlik & Ewelina Kostecka & Polina Kozlovska & Marek Staude & Sylwia Sokołowska, 2025. "The Role of Lightweight AI Models in Supporting a Sustainable Transition to Renewable Energy: A Systematic Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-29, February.
    3. Md Ahsan Habib & Md Sadik Hassan Arik & Md Ali Mostakim, 2024. "AI-Driven Power Quality Analytics and Improvement of Grid Connected Solar Energy Systems," Journal of Artificial Intelligence General science (JAIGS) ISSN:3006-4023, Open Knowledge, vol. 7(01), pages 213-228.
    4. Arsalan Masood & Ubaid Ahmed & Syed Zulqadar Hassan & Ahsan Raza Khan & Anzar Mahmood, 2025. "Economic Value Creation of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Variable Renewable Energy Resource Integration to Power Systems: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-42, March.
    5. Aylin Erdoğdu & Faruk Dayi & Ahmet Yanik & Ferah Yildiz & Farshad Ganji, 2025. "Innovative Solutions for Combating Climate Change: Advancing Sustainable Energy and Consumption Practices for a Greener Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-39, March.
    6. Amir Iqbal & Wei Zhang & Sayeda Jahangir, 2025. "Building a Sustainable Future: The Nexus Between Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Green Human Capital, Geopolitical Risk, and Carbon Emissions Through the Moderating Role of Institutional Qu," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-40, January.
    7. Salem Al-Oun & Mohammad Fathi AlMaaitah & Al-Muthanna Al-Azamat, 2025. "Sustainable Energy Transition in Jordan: The Interplay of Regulatory Frameworks and Infrastructure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-34, March.
    8. Shaival Nagarsheth & Kodjo Agbossou & Nilson Henao & Mathieu Bendouma, 2025. "The Advancements in Agricultural Greenhouse Technologies: An Energy Management Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-30, April.
    9. Aylin Erdoğdu & Faruk Dayi & Ferah Yildiz & Ahmet Yanik & Farshad Ganji, 2025. "Combining Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Cost, Time and Quality in Modern Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-41, March.
    10. Nikolaos Tsalikidis & Paraskevas Koukaras & Dimosthenis Ioannidis & Dimitrios Tzovaras, 2025. "Smart Charging Recommendation Framework for Electric Vehicles: A Machine-Learning-Based Approach for Residential Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-24, March.
    11. Mohamed G. Moh Almihat & Josiah L. Munda, 2025. "The Role of Smart Grid Technologies in Urban and Sustainable Energy Planning," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-30, March.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Lund, Henrik & Mathiesen, Brian Vad, 2012. "The role of Carbon Capture and Storage in a future sustainable energy system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 469-476.
    2. Olav H. Hohmeyer & Sönke Bohm, 2015. "Trends toward 100% renewable electricity supply in Germany and Europe: a paradigm shift in energy policies," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 4(1), pages 74-97, January.
    3. Hansen, Kenneth & Breyer, Christian & Lund, Henrik, 2019. "Status and perspectives on 100% renewable energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 471-480.
    4. Budzianowski, Wojciech M., 2012. "Target for national carbon intensity of energy by 2050: A case study of Poland's energy system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 46(1), pages 575-581.
    5. Višković, Alfredo & Franki, Vladimir & Valentić, Vladimir, 2014. "CCS (carbon capture and storage) investment possibility in South East Europe: A case study for Croatia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 325-337.
    6. Liu, Wen & Hu, Weihao & Lund, Henrik & Chen, Zhe, 2013. "Electric vehicles and large-scale integration of wind power – The case of Inner Mongolia in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 445-456.
    7. Frank, Alejandro Germán & Gerstlberger, Wolfgang & Paslauski, Carolline Amaral & Lerman, Laura Visintainer & Ayala, Néstor Fabián, 2018. "The contribution of innovation policy criteria to the development of local renewable energy systems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 353-365.
    8. Fusco, Francesco & Nolan, Gary & Ringwood, John V., 2010. "Variability reduction through optimal combination of wind/wave resources – An Irish case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 314-325.
    9. Krajacic, Goran & Duic, Neven & Carvalho, Maria da Graça, 2011. "How to achieve a 100% RES electricity supply for Portugal?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(2), pages 508-517, February.
    10. Islam, M.R. & Saidur, R. & Rahim, N.A., 2011. "Assessment of wind energy potentiality at Kudat and Labuan, Malaysia using Weibull distribution function," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 985-992.
    11. Wu, Yunyang & Reedman, Luke J. & Barrett, Mark A. & Spataru, Catalina, 2018. "Comparison of CST with different hours of storage in the Australian National Electricity Market," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 487-496.
    12. Vladimir Franki & Darin Majnarić & Alfredo Višković, 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Companies in the Power Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-35, January.
    13. Mihaela Simionescu & Yuriy Bilan & Emília Krajňáková & Dalia Streimikiene & Stanisław Gędek, 2019. "Renewable Energy in the Electricity Sector and GDP per Capita in the European Union," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-15, June.
    14. Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Sappaniran, Sahapol & Nooraksa, Sarawin & Prommai, Chanon & Chindakham, Nachaya & Jamroen, Chaowanan, 2023. "Innovative sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system using particle filter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    15. Mohamed G. Moh Almihat & Josiah L. Munda, 2025. "The Role of Smart Grid Technologies in Urban and Sustainable Energy Planning," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-30, March.
    16. Vidal-Amaro, Juan José & Østergaard, Poul Alberg & Sheinbaum-Pardo, Claudia, 2015. "Optimal energy mix for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources – The case of the Mexican electricity system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 80-96.
    17. Gorman, Will & Mills, Andrew & Wiser, Ryan, 2019. "Improving estimates of transmission capital costs for utility-scale wind and solar projects to inform renewable energy policy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    18. Kwon, Pil Seok & Østergaard, Poul, 2014. "Assessment and evaluation of flexible demand in a Danish future energy scenario," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 309-320.
    19. Ifaei, Pouya & Nazari-Heris, Morteza & Tayerani Charmchi, Amir Saman & Asadi, Somayeh & Yoo, ChangKyoo, 2023. "Sustainable energies and machine learning: An organized review of recent applications and challenges," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    20. Liu, Wen & Lund, Henrik & Mathiesen, Brian Vad & Zhang, Xiliang, 2011. "Potential of renewable energy systems in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(2), pages 518-525, February.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:35:y:2024:i:7:p:3833-3879. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: SAGE Publications (email available below). General contact details of provider: .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.