Human Sensitivity and Artificial Intelligence: A Necessary Partnership
At Genera in Madrid, a powerful insight emerged: the future of AI in energy isn’t about replacing people, but about designing technology that works with human experience. This reflection explores why AI must augment human sensitivity, not override it, to drive meaningful and inclusive digitalisation.
Reflections from Genera – “Digitalisation & AI in Solar Thermal Technologies”, November 19
On November 19, I visited the Genera conference in Madrid as part of the INSUS team, eager to learn and understand the energy sector better. One session in particular stayed with me, “Digitalisation & AI in Solar Thermal Technologies”. Not because of complex slides or technical language, but because of a very human insight.
The discussion was opened with a bold claim from several speakers: AI will replace humans in many operational tasks. There’s no doubt about AI’s strength: it can handle huge amounts of data and operate continuously, 24/7.
A Story about A Shepherd and Technology
During the session, Diego Caro Pegalajar, Industrial R&D Project Manager from ACCIONA Construcción, shared an observation that quietly shifted the focus of the debate.
He spoke about a shepherd who works as a watchman at a solar thermal plant. He values his work deeply and has developed a special sensitivity to certain details - things that others might easily overlook.
At the same time, Diego pointed out an important challenge. For this kind of professional, using a smartphone or a tablet to mark which mirror has changed can be far from intuitive. Digital tools are not always designed with everyone in mind.
The conclusion was simple, but powerful:What we need are easy-to-use tools that everyone can work with.
The idea of human-technology alliance was supported by Juan Sebastián Valverde García, Founder and scientific advisor of Virtual Mech who reminded the audience:
“There are people who know much more than we think.”
Speaking about workers in solar thermal plants, he highlighted that their knowledge is practical, experience-based and often invisible, but extremely valuable.
For him, technology and humans are not opposing forces.
They are complementary.
What we think
At INSUS, this message strongly reflects how we understand artificial intelligence.
We believe AI should be an augmentor, not a replacer.A support that strengthens human expertise, captures field knowledge and turns it into insight - without expecting everyone to become a digital expert.
AI can process large amounts of data, spot patterns and support better decisions. But it is people who understand the context, notice what feels “off” and turn data into real action.
Progress Through Collaboration
I left the session with a clear takeaway:true progress will not come from replacing people with technology, but from building tools that work with the people who know the field best.
The future of energy, and digitalisation as a whole, will be shaped by cooperation, respect for human experience and technology.
That message felt especially clear at Genera this year. And it is one we strongly share at INSUS.