RWEST launched it’s first AI Lab
As part of the “Growing Beyond” strategy, RWE Supply & Trading (RWEST) started an exciting new initiative: the launch of its AI Laboratory in Bellevue, Washington. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities, especially in areas like weather, renewable energy, and probabilistic forecasting. In rapidly growing markets, staying ahead of new developments is essential for RWEST to remain competitive.
The Laboratory already commenced operation in September 2024 with a team consists of four scientists dedicated to exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can enhance RWE’s business. When the project team set out to find the ideal location for this new initiative, it soon became clear that the new office should be established in the United States, where innovation in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and weather forecasting in the private sector for renewable energy applications is particularly strong.
This is why Bellevue was chosen: The city in the greater area of Seattle offers a unique blend of opportunities:
- a high concentration of tech workers and AI expertise,
- a strong academic foundation,
- a large number of companies in the renewable energy space,
- and a thriving tech startup scene.
Moreover, the climate and weather space in the greater Seattle area is particularly strong. So it became a natural choice for the team.
The exploration space of possible applications is practically infinite. Investing in AI supports RWE's growth in renewables and ensures that we remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market. Galen Yacalis, Lead Scientist AI Lab
This research initiative positions RWEST at the cutting edge of AI and weather forecasting for renewable energy applications. By combining data-driven methods with traditional physics-based models, RWEST aims to revolutionise how we predict weather, optimise supply and demand calculations, and manage assets more efficiently. The future will see a close collaboration between AI and traditional methods.