AI is playing a transformational role in strengthening resilience to climate change and supporting the reduction of emissions as businesses and governments continue to execute strategies to meet international climate goals, according to global intellectual property firm, Marks & Clerk.
Findings from its latest AI report reveal that AI innovations tied to green technology are rapidly advancing, with patent publications up 35% in 2023 – despite a slowdown in overall AI filings. To put it in context, while overall AI patent publications continue to grow, they only increased by 3.4% in 2023 compared to 17.6% in 2022. That said, despite the slowdown, growth in AI patent publications in 2023 was still greater than the growth in overall patent publications.
The European Patent Office (EPO) is demonstrating critical institutional support for this sustainable innovation trend, granting green AI patents at higher rates than ever, as innovators increasingly focus on technologies that power the net zero transition. From optimising renewable energy grids to waste management and sustainable transportation, green AI is proving to be a critical driving force behind the world’s transition to net zero.
When it comes to AI patent leadership, the US continues to lead overall AI applications at the EPO. By contrast, European companies dominate in the green AI space, filing 50% more applications than their US counterparts. While US companies are largely focused on technologies related to climate change adaptation and resilience, Europe has taken the lead in energy conservation, aligning with its strong regulatory and policy focus on energy efficiency.