With a combined legacy of over half a century of technical training and international cooperation, the Renewable Energy Institute (REI), the European Centre of Technology (ECT) and Centro Studi Galileo (CSG) have launched the AI Centre for Energy Innovation and Technology. The Centre builds on the broad expertise and international reputation of these institutions, which includes their long-standing collaborations with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR).
This new initiative will harness the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate progress in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and efficiency improvements across Europe. The Centre will act as a hub for research, training, and knowledge-sharing, supporting professionals, industries, and policymakers in adopting AI-driven solutions for the energy transition.
Missions of the Centre
The AI Centre for Energy Innovation and Technology, led by the Renewable Energy Institute with its partners, will:
- Provide professional education and certification, building on a long tradition of excellence in training.
- Disseminate technical insights through journals and reports, strengthening global knowledge transfer.
- Support international standards and policy development, ensuring AI tools contribute safely and effectively to decarbonisation goals.
- Lead research and innovation in AI applications for renewables, energy storage, smart grids, and sustainable heating/cooling.
Building on UN Collaboration
In addition to this new initiative, the partner institutions have a history of collaboration with international bodies such as UNEP, UNIDO, and IIR. Together, they have organised high-level conferences, delivered technical training to professionals worldwide, and contributed to international policy dialogues on sustainability and climate change.
A central part of this collaboration is the International Special Issue (ISI) technical journal, produced with UNEP, IIR and other international partners. Distributed to Heads of State, policymakers, and national delegations at UN summits, the ISI is a recognised source of knowledge on refrigeration, renewable energy, and sustainable technologies.
History and Legacy
Centro Studi Galileo (CSG), founded in 1975, has become Europe’s leading training and knowledge hub for refrigeration, air conditioning, and renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) has grown into a globally recognised centre for renewable energy training and professional development, working with international organisations, universities, and industry to advance the energy transition. Together with the European Centre of Technology (ECT), whose Honorary Director is Enrico Buoni, these organisations represent decades of expertise, international recognition, and a shared mission to advance sustainable technology worldwide.
“With the AI Centre for Energy Innovation and Technology, we are uniting digital transformation with the energy transition. This collaboration brings together expertise, global networks, and a shared mission to accelerate sustainable change.”
Paolo Buoni, Director, Renewable Energy Institute and European Centre of Technology
“Since 1975, Centro Studi Galileo has worked with international institutions to advance knowledge in refrigeration and energy efficiency. This new Centre extends that legacy into artificial intelligence, addressing some of the most urgent challenges in our sector.”
Marco Buoni, Director, Centro Studi Galileo
“Artificial intelligence is having a transformative effect on the world but needs to see greater adoption in the energy sector. This new Centre, by bringing together expertise from academia, industry and training, can help accelerate the adoption of this new technology in the energy sector and ensure Artificial Intelligence delivers real-world benefits for all of society.”
Aidan O’Sullivan, AI Expert Lecturer Renewable Energy Institute and Associate Professor in Energy and AI at University College London
About the Partners
- Renewable Energy Institute (REI) – A globally recognised centre for renewable energy training and professional development, working internationally to advance the global energy transition.
- European Centre of Technology (ECT) – International platform for education in energy, engineering, and sustainability, with Enrico Buoni as Honorary Director.
- Centro Studi Galileo (CSG) – Europe’s leading training centre for refrigeration, renewables, and efficiency, founded in 1975.
