Using AI to Achieve Net Zero

By Naeem Atta

Using AI to achieve net zero is possible, says Naeem Atta

In the fight against climate change, achieving net-zero emissions is a critical goal that the world must urgently pursue. Across industries, integrating sustainable practices into daily operations is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. At the intersection of innovation and environmental responsibility stands Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology with the potential to revolutionise how we approach sustainability. As the founder of Digycorp and a technologist with over 30 years of experience in IT and energy, I firmly believe that AI is not just a tool for business optimisation—it is a powerful force that can contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.

My vision for a sustainable future is rooted in harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technologies like AI to drive digital transformation across industries. For me, AI is key to creating solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. At Digycorp, I’ve worked on applying AI to a wide range of sustainability challenges, from optimising energy use in industrial settings to developing technologies that support large-scale environmental conservation efforts, like the largest coral restoration project in the world–the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative in the Red Sea. My goal is simple: to leverage the power of AI to reduce carbon footprints, promote resource efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the global effort to achieve net-zero emissions.

AI as a Game Changer for Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant ways AI can help achieve net-zero emissions is through energy optimisation. Energy consumption, particularly from fossil fuels, is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. I believe AI has the potential to radically transform how we use and manage energy across industries. AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, allowing businesses to optimise their energy consumption and reduce waste.

At Digycorp, my team and I specialise in utilising Digital Twin technology, an AI-driven tool that creates a virtual replica of real-world physical systems. In energy management, Digital Twins are incredibly valuable. They allow companies to simulate their energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies to improve performance—all without the need for physical intervention. For example, in buildings, AI can optimise heating, cooling, and lighting systems based on real-time occupancy data. In manufacturing, AI ensures that energy is used only when needed, minimising waste and reducing emissions.

Digital Twin technology has already made a significant impact in sectors such as smart cities, where AI is used to optimise everything from traffic flow to waste management. AI algorithms can predict traffic patterns, reduce congestion, and minimise fuel consumption. By enabling smarter grids and improving energy efficiency, AI plays a vital role in reducing emissions in urban areas.

AI for Carbon Capture and Renewable Energy Integration

As the world transitions to renewable energy, AI is poised to play an essential role in optimising the integration of green energy sources. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy have the potential to revolutionise the energy landscape but integrating them into existing grids presents unique challenges. AI can help address these challenges by enabling smarter, more flexible energy systems that can balance supply and demand efficiently.

AI systems can predict fluctuations in renewable energy generation, such as those caused by changes in weather patterns, and adjust energy usage accordingly. I have worked on several initiatives that use AI to integrate renewable energy sources into national and local grids, ensuring that energy supply remains stable while minimising the use of fossil fuels. By using AI to predict energy demand and supply, utilities can avoid energy waste, improve the efficiency of renewable energy deployment, and optimise battery storage, all of which contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

AI in Sustainable Manufacturing and Industry

The manufacturing sector is another area where AI can drive significant reductions in emissions. Traditional manufacturing processes are often resource-intensive, using large amounts of energy and materials while generating considerable waste. I am convinced that AI can help revolutionise this industry by making it more efficient and sustainable.

AI-driven solutions can help manufacturers optimise their operations, reduce energy consumption, and minimise waste. Through predictive maintenance, AI can analyse equipment data and predict when machines will need repairs, preventing unnecessary downtime and reducing energy waste. Furthermore, AI can streamline production processes, ensuring that only the necessary number of materials is used and reducing overproduction, which is a major source of environmental harm.

My work in this area has involved implementing AI solutions across various industries, from energy to manufacturing to agriculture. By reducing energy consumption and waste, these AI systems contribute to lowering carbon emissions and advancing sustainability goals.

AI in Agriculture: Precision Farming for a Sustainable Future

Agriculture is responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions, from the use of fertilisers and pesticides to the energy-intensive nature of food production. However, I am optimistic about AI's potential to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint. Through precision farming, AI can optimise the use of water, fertilisers, and pesticides, reducing waste and improving crop yields.

By analysing data from sensors and drones, AI can help farmers monitor soil health, track water usage, and optimise planting schedules. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and sustainably, leading to higher yields with lower environmental impact. AI can also help identify potential risks to crops, such as disease or pests, and recommend the best course of action to mitigate these risks, reducing the need for harmful chemicals.

My work with AI-powered precision farming solutions demonstrates the vast potential of AI to transform agriculture into a more sustainable industry. By improving efficiency and reducing waste, AI can play a critical role in ensuring that the world’s food supply is produced with minimal environmental impact.

AI’s Role in Driving the Circular Economy

The circular economy model is gaining traction globally, as businesses and governments seek to reduce waste, recycle materials, and extend product lifecycles. I believe AI is essential to realising the full potential of a circular economy. Through AI, businesses can track product usage, predict when items will need repair, and optimise recycling processes.

In a circular economy, waste is viewed as a resource rather than a byproduct. AI can enable businesses to create closed-loop systems where materials are continuously reused, reducing the need for raw material extraction and minimising waste sent to landfills. This model not only benefits the environment but also offers economic advantages, as companies can save money by reducing material costs and improving operational efficiency.

Achieving Net Zero: The Path Forward with AI

Achieving net-zero emissions is no small task, but my work with AI demonstrates that it is possible. From optimising energy usage in buildings and manufacturing to supporting large-scale environmental restoration projects, AI is already driving significant progress toward sustainability. By continuing to harness the power of AI, we can accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral future, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities while reducing our environmental impact.

My vision is clear: AI is not just a tool for business efficiency—it is a catalyst for change, a technology that can help the world meet its climate goals. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, I remain committed, along with my team at Digycorp, to using AI and innovation to build a sustainable future for generations to come. By embracing AI and its potential to drive sustainability, we can unlock the solutions needed to achieve net-zero emissions and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

Naeem Atta is the CEO and founder of DigyCorp, a company pioneering digital twinning for sustainability. Digycorp creates digital replicas of the physical world in order to learn from the environment and tackle the climate crisis. With 30+ years of experience in AI and technology, advising the UK Government, global energy firms, and FinTech start-ups, Naeem founded Digycorp to make a real difference to the future of our planet, by using AI for good and accelerating us towards net zero.