The Department of Energy’s Master RIDEF 2.0 programme launches a new series of talks, online in live streaming, designed to address crucial topics related to Energy Transition and Decarbonisation. Aiming to promote knowledge and stimulate debate on renewables, energy efficiency and sustainability, these talks will host industry professionals in dialogue with some of our scientific commissioners.

The first event, entitled “The Invisible Weight of Digital: The Paradox between Energy Consumption and Saving Support“, will be held on 17 February 2025, from 17:30 to 18:30, on the Microsoft Teams platform.

The central theme of this talk is the energy impact of the digital sector, which is becoming increasingly energy intensive. From the consumption of resources for the production of devices to the daily operation of systems, energy consumption is increasing exponentially. At the same time, digital technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, can play a key role in optimising production processes, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency. This dual role of digital as a factor of improvement and, at the same time, of uncontrolled multiplication of consumption poses a crucial challenge: how to quantify these trade-offs? We are faced with a paradox: digital is one of the causes of the increase in energy demand, but it is also one of the main levers for savings and efficiency. How can we balance these two aspects?

Through a multi-voice debate, this talk will address the issue in all its complexity, analysing the available data, the challenges of quantification and the role of artificial intelligence in the balance between technological innovation and sustainability.

Leading us through this reflection will be Giovanna Sissa (author of “Secret Emissions. L’impatto ambientale dell’Universo digitale”, Il Mulino 2024) and Francesco Cara (among the co-authors of the books “Ecologia Digitale”, Altreconomia 2022) and “Sloweb: Conversazioni per un Digitale Sostenibile”, Guerini 2024), who will help us better understand the implications and possible future developments of this global challenge.

An opportunity to deepen an issue that directly impacts people’s lives and our energy future.

More information on the event is available here.

Participation is free of charge, after registration by filling in the appropriate form.