Author: Dmitrijs Anisko, Project Manager at SIA Latvijas Energoceltnieks
Energy construction has developed particularly rapidly in recent years. There is a growing demand for new infrastructure, energy storage solutions, and various energy technologies. However, even as technologies become increasingly advanced, the industry still largely relies on human labor on-site, practical experience, and the ability to adapt to changes. Technology is only part of energy project implementation; organizational, social, and economic factors must also be taken into account.
Industry Specifics
From a purely construction perspective, as incredible as it may sound, energy projects are often not the most complex. Materials and technologies are, in many cases, relatively simple, and the construction process itself is not overly complicated. The more challenging part is usually the energy systems – the equipment, their operating principles, and the requirements they impose on the construction process.
It is precisely the energy technologies that determine the project requirements, which is why there is such high demand for specialists in this industry. Project management in such sites combines engineering, financial control, and social process management. Engineering is important, but not the only crucial aspect – the experience of the team and collaboration among specialists from different fields is equally significant.
Energy Professionals
The average age of professionals in the industry remains relatively high. Experienced professionals’ knowledge is undeniably very valuable in project implementation, but the fact that young specialists enter this field relatively slowly is a problem. Work in energy construction requires not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, which, logically, develops over time. This creates a paradoxical situation – the industry seeks new people but simultaneously expects them to have a wealth of experience.
I foresee that in the future, three main groups of specialists may emerge in energy construction. First, project managers who oversee projects, administration, and documentation. Second, technology specialists who understand how the equipment works and can solve technical problems. Third, the “project brains” – software engineers working with management systems and artificial intelligence (AI). It will be very difficult, if not impossible, for one person to master all these areas simultaneously.
Technology Development
A recent trend in energy construction is the increasing appearance of plug-and-play equipment. This means that equipment is delivered almost ready to use – it only needs to be connected. The idea is quite simple. A regular user, much like when buying a new phone or kettle, does not examine the inside of the equipment but simply connects it and starts using it. This approach gradually changes the role of specialists in projects.
Energy technologies can be divided into two groups – those likely to become widely used in the coming years and those still in development. Many future technologies are not entirely new; they often integrate existing technologies into new structures or environments. For example, solar panels could be integrated into car roofs, window glass, or building facades.
Great attention is also given to energy storage. One potential method to store energy over longer periods could be hydrogen, which involves storing energy at the atomic level and later using it again. Hydrogen batteries are also being developed, which could theoretically be more efficient than lithium batteries, although their initial implementation will be costly.
Fusion Potential
Another promising technology is nuclear fusion. Unlike current nuclear power plants that use fission, fusion involves combining nuclei. The international project ITER[1] is attempting to create a safe and practically usable fusion reaction. If this technology becomes commercially viable in the future, it could provide a very large amount of energy with relatively low resource consumption. However, the development of such technologies requires many years and significant investments.
AI in Energy Construction
As in any other industry, AI is increasingly seen as a valuable tool in energy construction, helping to accelerate and optimize processes, particularly in labor-intensive tasks such as data analysis and calculations. Its ability to work with large datasets and provide solutions quickly truly facilitates specialists’ work and allows them to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.
At the same time, there are notable concerns about overreliance on AI. If specialists trust it too much, their own skills and ability to critically assess results may diminish. Accepting AI-generated solutions without careful verification can cause serious problems. For example, errors in critical systems like energy grids can be very dangerous.
This issue also raises questions of responsibility. If AI makes a mistake, who is accountable? Energy construction can be compared to blood vessels – how safe would you feel if a doctor relied entirely on AI instead of their own knowledge and experience? Similarly, in energy, human presence and critical verification are necessary to ensure system safety.
A real example of this problem occurred in Estonia, where the launch of a battery park caused a power outage for almost half the country. This once again confirmed the need to carefully assess the impact of technology on the grid and not rely solely on AI solutions. Yes, AI is undeniably a useful assistant, but caution, responsibility, and human oversight must not be forgotten.
Electricity Costs
The development of new technologies may reduce energy production costs in the future. However, this does not necessarily mean that electricity will become significantly cheaper for consumers. Green energy and the development of electric transport are not without costs. Production, logistics, and resources still require substantial investment, often borne by the end consumer. Therefore, energy development will always be linked not only to technological progress but also to economic and social factors affecting energy prices and infrastructure development.
Workers’ Role in Energy Construction
Despite technological advances, physical labor remains very important in energy construction. Without people on-site, technology simply does not work. Workers – operators, assemblers, and builders – form the foundation of a project. Their accuracy, experience, and professionalism ensure smooth project execution and resolution of technically complex situations. These workers often make the project successful because, even if modern technologies and AI optimize processes, a cable will not lay itself. Therefore, it is important to recognize and motivate workers. If people do not feel appreciated, project quality may decline.
Energy Security in Latvia
Latvia’s energy security and independence are currently at a very high level, primarily thanks to existing hydro and thermal power plants, which provide sufficient production capacity. This infrastructure allows the country to fully meet daily energy needs without a deficit and ensures stable and secure electricity supply.
Latvia’s ability to operate independently, disconnected from the Russian energy grid, is noteworthy. The main challenge in this situation is maintaining frequency stability. Latvian specialists manage this successfully, demonstrating that the country can maintain safe and stable electricity supply even in emergency conditions.
Cybersecurity is also crucial in modern energy systems that heavily use IT solutions. Protecting information and preventing unauthorized access strengthens Latvia’s energy security. Simulations and specialist training are especially valuable, as they prepare systems and people to respond in potential crisis situations.
[1] The world’s largest experimental nuclear fusion project – the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
