Artificial intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science that involves the creation of computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that usually require human intelligence. AI now permeates daily life with tools like chatbots or advanced search engines. However, AI is much more than these applications and has been a core part of scientific research and technological development for longer than most realize. The concept of AI began in the mid-twentieth century as a vision to replicate the way humans think and behave. It has evolved over decades with advances in machine learning and deep learning, which allowed for the processing of larger datasets and more complex computations as computers became more powerful.
An AI system consists of various types of algorithms, which are step-by-step procedures designed to solve specific problems, including performance optimization, pattern recognition for identifying trends or features, classification of data into predefined categories, and regression for predicting outcomes based on input data. These systems can be divided based on different criteria, such as types of tasks,
methods, or problem domain. The major fields include machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and generative AI. AI is used across a variety of research fields, including studies assessing the environmental effects of offshore energy development.
Potential environmental effects associated with offshore energy development include underwater noise, vessel strike risk, wind turbine collision risk, habitat disturbance, changes to oceanographic dynamics, and changes in water quality. Environmental stressors from offshore energy development can be categorized according to the different phases of the project life cycle. The strategic use of AI during each project phase may help streamline monitoring, research, and impact reduction measures by providing predictive modeling, real-time analysis, and enhanced mitigation. This report focuses on the use of AI for offshore energy and environmental research, which does not encompass the full range of available methods or potential uses in other energy sectors.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Offshore Energy and Environmental Research