ENERGY INNOVATION AT AES
Innovation that powers the future
At AES, we combine deep industry context with entrepreneurship to push the boundaries of what’s possible in energy. Our insight-driven, collaborative approach allows us to test, prove, and scale breakthrough solutions at speed, delivering transformative energy innovations and accelerating the transition to a smarter energy future.
$2 billion+
equity value created in new companies
$2.8 billion
savings generated from Energy Star & APEX programs
38 GW
capacity across multiple regions, industries and asset types through Fluence, Uplight and 5B
Driving progress through a legacy of innovation
We take on the biggest challenges in energy, delivering what our customers and the industry need to move forward. In the 1980s, we brought innovation and efficiency to the electric system as the first company to introduce competition to power supply, creating an entirely new segment within the industry. We transformed the fabric of the grid by pioneering lithium-ion battery storage at scale, and we led the way in scaling solar early on with a billion-dollar investment.
Today, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing transformative solutions to our customers and the energy system at large.
A proven model for innovation
Innovation at AES isn’t just about ideas. We follow a structured, insights-driven approach that delivers real impact across all horizons: optimizing our operations, co-creating solutions for and with our customers, and developing new business lines that shape the future of energy. Our proven framework grounds every breakthrough in strategy and execution.
Core: Automating energy forecasting
AES data scientists developed the Farseer AI Generation Forecasting and Marketing Automation Program to help forecast renewable asset output, while establishing an automation framework for streamlining our operations. It has generated nearly $9 million in benefits since its creation.
New: Innovating for 24/7 carbon-free energy
To meet increased energy demand generated by AI, carbon-free energy is essential for powering facilities, when and where they have load. 24/7 carbon-free energy by AES provides 100% carbon-free energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to customers like Google and beyond.
Exponential: Pioneering solar robotics
AES created Maximo™, the autonomous, AI-enabled solar installation robot to mechanically install solar modules at half the time and half the cost. Customers like Amazon benefit from Maximo by accelerating large-scale solar projects and helping meet workforce demand.
Innovation in our culture
Energy Star
AES’ Energy Star program is the foundation of our continuous evolution, ensuring that innovation remains at the core of everything we do. As the standing transformation system of AES, Energy Star enables us to rapidly implement and scale emerging technologies, including AI, across our business. This approach isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about fundamentally reshaping the way we operate, from renewables to supply chain and beyond.
AES Next
AES Next combines entrepreneurship and deep industry context to build and invest in a portfolio of high-growth businesses and strategic partnerships. From pioneering storage solutions to revolutionizing solar deployment, AES Next’s projects are at the forefront of driving energy innovation.
APEX
APEX is an AES initiative that aims to drive continuous improvement with methodologies and tools to solve problems and address areas for growth.
Innovation jobs
At AES, our people are our power. All of our jobs prioritize innovation and encourage collaboration.
Energy Innovation Challenge
AES’ Energy Innovation Challenge is a competition that brings together teams of graduate students from diverse backgrounds to create solutions to relevant problems the energy industry is facing.
Advancing AI in the energy sector
At AES, artificial intelligence is woven into everything we do: enhancing efficiency in our internal operations, building new businesses, and driving smarter, more sustainable solutions for our customers.
Powering AI for the world: data centers
With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, electricity demand is soaring. As the number one renewable energy provider for corporations, AES helps data centers meet their increasing power needs efficiently.
Advancing AI for the industry: AI Fund
Through our partnership with AI Fund, we’re co-building AI-powered startups that accelerate the energy transition by optimizing renewables, enhancing worksite safety, and helping renewables projects access clean energy finance. By investing in cutting-edge AI solutions, we’re not just adapting to the future of energy; we’re creating it.
Leveraging AI for our business: Aurora
We launched Aurora, an initiative that enables our people to responsibly and intelligently incorporate artificial intelligence into our day-to-day operations. We’ve created an internal competition to promote AI-backed solution-building, built AI tools into our operating systems, and educated our people on how artificial intelligence can boost productivity and efficiency.
Award-winning innovation
Recognized as an industry leader and a Great Place To Work® in the markets where we operate
#1 seller of renewable energy to corporations in the world
Seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute award for innovation
A World’s Most Ethical Company, awarded 12 consecutive times by Ethisphere Institute
Recognized as Best Workplace for Innovators
Recognized for excellence in driving digital business growth through technology innovation
