The Global Renewables Watch is a revolutionary initiative that uses satellite images and artificial intelligence models to map the progress of solar and wind energy globally.
This project, developed by Microsoft AI for Good Lab in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Planet Labs PBC, and validated by Cornell University, provides a clear perspective on the growth of renewable energies in different regions of the planet.
A transformative technological tool
Advanced analysis: The platform uses AI to identify viable areas for installing renewable projects, considering factors such as land availability, electrical infrastructure, and potential environmental impact.
Open source: The information is available on GitHub, ensuring transparency and fostering global collaboration.
Impressive growth of renewable energies
The project demonstrates how renewable energies have advanced at an unprecedented rate, highlighting China as a global leader:
- China: Installed capacity of 632,859.61 MW in solar and wind energy, an increase of 133.68 % since 2017.
- United States: Capacity of 285,974.11 MW, a growth of 126.63 %. Although policies from previous years limited progress, the growth remains significant.
- Germany: The European Union stands out with Germany, which increased from 38,151.75 MW to 60,042.53 MW, driven by the boom in self-consumption. More than 500,000 solar panels have been installed on balconies.
Challenges and data processing
One of the biggest challenges for this project is handling large volumes of data:
- Terabytes of satellite images: Processed by AI to make thousands of predictions about solar and wind energy.
- Constant validation: Algorithms require ongoing adjustments to ensure data reliability.
Global impact
The project not only shows the current status of renewable energies but also helps plan future installations in a sustainable manner. Thanks to its advanced technological approach with AI and satellite images, it is contributing to the global energy transition and offering an essential tool for researchers, developers, and governments.
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