💻 TechnologyGrade 4Lesson 34
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Explore renewable energy and smart city AI

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Describe how AI is used to manage renewable energy sources
  • 2Explain what makes a city a "smart city"
  • 3Identify examples of AI technology in smart city infrastructure
  • 4Recognize the connection between AI and sustainable urban living
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Mini Lesson

Renewable energy — power from sources like the sun, wind, and water — is vital for a sustainable future. AI helps us use these energy sources more efficiently by predicting when and where energy is needed. Smart cities combine AI, sensors, and data networks to manage energy, transport, and services in real time.

How AI Manages Renewable Energy

  • Solar prediction — AI analyzes weather data to forecast how much solar energy panels will generate.
  • Wind optimization — AI adjusts wind turbine angles to capture the most energy based on wind speed.
  • Smart grids — AI-powered electrical grids balance supply and demand, reducing waste.
  • Energy storage — AI decides when to store excess energy in batteries and when to release it to the grid.
  • Demand forecasting — AI predicts when homes and businesses will need the most electricity.

What Is a Smart City?

A smart city uses digital technologies — especially AI, sensors, and data — to improve the quality of life for its citizens. Smart cities aim to reduce pollution, ease traffic congestion, improve public safety, and deliver services more efficiently.

  • Smart traffic lights — AI adjusts green and red light timing based on real-time traffic flow.
  • Smart street lighting — lights dim or brighten automatically based on foot traffic and time of day.
  • Waste management AI — sensors in bins signal collection trucks when they are full.
  • Air quality monitoring — sensors and AI detect pollution and alert authorities in real time.
  • Smart public transport — AI schedules buses and trains to match passenger demand patterns.
AI and Renewable EnergyAI and Renewable EnergySolarWindHydroAI Smart GridAI balances supply and demandacross renewable sources
Smart City FeaturesSmart City FeaturesSmart Traffic LightsSmart Street LightingWaste Management AIAir Quality MonitoringAI powers each smart city system
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Tip: cities like Singapore, Copenhagen, and Barcelona are world leaders in smart city technology — combining AI with renewable energy to build greener, safer urban environments.

Vocabulary
renewable energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sun, wind, and water.
smart grid
An AI-powered electrical network that balances energy supply and demand in real time.
smart city
A city that uses digital technology and AI to improve services, safety, and sustainability.
demand forecasting
Using AI to predict when and where energy or services will be most needed.
sensor network
A system of connected devices that collect and share data about the environment.
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← Lesson 33: Study global careers in AI and roboticsLesson 35: Understand how AI supports sustainable goals →