Potential of Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Renewable Energy: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Modern machine learning (ML) techniques are making inroads in every aspect of renewable energy for optimization and model prediction. The effective utilization of ML techniques for the development and scaling up of renewable energy systems needs a high degree of accountability. However, most of the ML approaches currently in use are termed black box since their work is difficult to comprehend. Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is an attractive option to solve the issue of poor interoperability in black-box methods. This review investigates the relationship between renewable energy (RE) and XAI. It emphasizes the potential advantages of XAI in improving the performance and efficacy of RE systems. It is realized that although the integration of XAI with RE has enormous potential to alter how energy is produced and consumed, possible hazards and barriers remain to be overcome, particularly concerning transparency, accountability, and fairness. Thus, extensive research is required to address the societal and ethical implications of using XAI in RE and to create standardized data sets and evaluation metrics. In summary, this paper shows the potential, perspectives, opportunities, and challenges of XAI application to RE system management and operation aiming to target the efficient energy-use goals for a more sustainable and trustworthy future.