UNDP and IBM Introduce Advanced Interactive Models for Clean Energy Analysis

In a collaborative effort, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IBM have developed two advanced interactive models designed to enhance UNDP’s Data Futures Exchange’s GeoHub platform. These models, namely the AI model Electricity Access Forecasting and the statistical geospatial model Clean Energy Equity Index, aim to provide comprehensive insights into global clean energy challenges and opportunities.

Technological Collaboration and Innovation

The development of these models was part of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as IBM watsonx, IBM Cloud, and IBM Environmental Intelligence. The partnership leverages IBM’s technological prowess and UNDP’s expertise in sustainable development to create tools that can significantly impact global clean energy initiatives.

Free Public Access to Advanced Clean Energy Insights

These innovative models will be available for free to the public through UNDP’s GeoHub dashboards. This open accessibility allows a wide range of users, including policymakers, researchers, and the general public, to access detailed data and insights to better understand and address complex clean energy issues.

Launch Details

ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today launched new interactive models on energy within UNDP’s global GeoHub platform. These innovative solutions use technologies such as the IBM watsonx AI and data platform to enable users — from policymakers at the national and community level to the general public — to analyze complex energy issues through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology and access a wide range of resources, helping support data-driven decision-making toward a just energy transition.

Empowering Communities with Technology

“Bringing together UNDP’s knowledge and global leadership in sustainable development and IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI and hybrid cloud, we are proud to unveil solutions that demonstrate the power of technology to make a lasting, positive impact on our environment and in our communities,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. “By making innovative models freely accessible to the public, we aim to empower leaders, organizations, and community members alike with the insights to make impactful energy decisions around the world.”

About GeoHub

GeoHub is a centralized ecosystem of geospatial data and services, part of UNDP’s Data Futures Exchange (DFx). It allows users to upload, visualize, and analyze datasets, combining time-oriented and geographic data with satellite imagery. This platform supports localized and evidence-based approaches to development challenges and integrated policymaking, such as determining subnational distribution of electricity access and assessing community vulnerabilities to climate change over time.

UNDP and IBM’s Collaborative Efforts

“UNDP’s innovative collaboration with IBM helps countries leverage development data and technology innovation to improve lives and protect the planet. The solutions we’ve co-created provide a credible evidence base to help countries make meaningful and practical progress towards a just energy transition. Net-zero investment and people-centered development strategies are fundamental to accelerate the SDGs,” said Laurel Patterson, Head of the UNDP SDG Integration Team, UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

UNDP and IBM collaborated over two years through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program. This project began with a collaborative engagement through the IBM Garage and resulted in the enhancement of UNDP’s GeoHub with two groundbreaking models: the AI model Electricity Access Forecasting and the statistical geospatial model Clean Energy Equity Index.

Detailed Insights on the Models

• Electricity Access Forecasting AI model utilizes the IBM watsonx AI and data platform, IBM Cloud, and an open-source machine learning library. It forecasts future electricity access through 2030 by evaluating various factors, including population, infrastructure, urbanization, elevation, satellite data, and land use data provided by IBM Environmental Intelligence. This model provides a unique advantage over current-day estimates of electricity access by projecting future scenarios. The data will cover 102 countries across the Global South, including regions in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East.
• Clean Energy Equity Index was developed by IBM and UNDP in collaboration with Stony Brook University. This statistical geospatial model combines geospatial analytics with environmental, economic, and social factors—such as education, greenhouse gas emissions, and relative wealth—to generate a Clean Energy Equity score ranging from 0 to 1. This score reflects opportunities and urgency for clean energy development through the lens of equity and a just transition. Users can customize and view each factor analyzed in the model, enabling better decision-making. The model will provide data from 53 African countries.

Promoting Free Public Access to Advanced Models

Historically, advanced models like these have not always been freely accessible and applicable to all users. IBM and UNDP have co-created solutions that strengthen free public access to complex clean energy information and advanced technology, providing essential resources for policymakers, governments, journalists, and decision-makers.

About United Nations Development Programme

UNDP operates in about 170 countries and territories, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience to sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a crucial role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Media Contact:

Carmen San Segundo

IBM Global Communications Director, ESG and CSR

carmenssg@ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

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