E.ON: Building a New AI Powered Energy World

The case study follows E.ON, the German energy utility, on its ‘data’ journey and explores the challenges and lessons encountered while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations as it prepares for the global ‘energy transition’. Its transformation begins with a process dubbed ‘data evangelisation’ that is designed to advance the company’s data readiness and related organisational changes such as setting up a dedicated supporting unit with a global mandate. Through the Data.ON programme and AI, E.ON takes its capabilities to the next level and develops new solutions in close collaboration with the business. The case explores questions such as: What does the use of AI imply for a business, particularly in the energy sector? How can value be created with AI? What are the prospects, barriers and challenges of its adoption? These questions, touched on by the case, invite students to consider similar issues facing many companies today and in the future.