EU Energy Projects Podcast: AI sovereignty and the energy transition with project EDDIE

In this episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast, I had the opportunity to discuss this topic with Laurent Schmitt, representing the EU-funded EDDIE project.

What emerged clearly from our conversation is that Europe is far from being a passive player. On the contrary, it is building strong foundations, particularly when it comes to data preparation, governance, and interoperability. These are critical elements for any meaningful deployment of AI in energy systems.

“Europe is actually very well positioned when it comes to data preparation,” Laurent noted. “We also have a few champions when it comes to AI engines and related technologies.” This combination of structured data ecosystems and growing technological expertise places Europe in a competitive and strategic position.

Yet, the conversation inevitably turned to sovereignty. As energy systems become increasingly digitalised, control over data and algorithms becomes inseparable from energy security. The stakes are not just technological, but geopolitical.

“The AI war is not finished at all,” Laurent emphasised. “It is so crucial for Europe’s sovereignty that initiatives driven by the European Commission will help this ecosystem flourish and reduce dependency on foreign technologies.”

This is where EU-funded initiatives like EDDIE play a pivotal role. By fostering collaboration across borders, integrating digital solutions, and aligning with EU policy priorities, such projects are helping translate ambition into implementation. They also reflect a broader shift in how Europe approaches innovation. Not in isolation, but through coordinated, value-driven ecosystems.

The European Commission’s support, through funding programmes and regulatory frameworks, is reinforcing this direction. Beyond accelerating innovation, it is shaping an AI landscape that reflects European principles: transparency, security, and trust.

As our discussion highlighted, Europe’s AI journey in energy is still unfolding, but it is already clear that the continent is not merely catching up. It is defining its own path forward, with sovereignty and resilience at its core.

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Listen to previous episodes:

EU Energy Projects Podcast: How TRINEFLEX is advancing process industry decarbonisation
EU Energy Projects Podcast: How AGISTIN is accelerating industrial decarbonisation through smarter integration

More about EDDIE:

EU Energy Projects Podcast: Data exchange in fragmented ecosystems
Identification and authentication in a common European data space