Digitalization Won’t Save the Energy Transition, Unless... | Dr. René Deist | TEDxGöttingen

Dr. René Deist, Chief Information & Digital Officer at EnBW, argues that digitalization alone will not save the energy transition. In this TEDxGöttingen talk, he says the way digital tools, data and artificial intelligence are used matters as much as the technology itself. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in digitalization, AI and organizational transformation, he discusses what needs to change for digitalization to support the energy transition.

• Technology alone is not enough to drive the energy transition
• Use of digital tools, data and AI is as important as the technology
• Changes needed in how complex organizations adopt digitalization
• Talk given at TEDxGöttingen 2026

Can digitalization really save the energy transition? Dr. René Deist argues that technology alone is not enough. The way we use digital tools, data and artificial intelligence matters just as much as the technology itself. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in digitalization, AI and the transformation of complex organizations, he explores what needs to change if digitalization is to become a genuine force for the energy transition. TEDxGöttingen 2026 was initiated, organized and moderated by Patrick Bartl. The event brought together ten speakers from science, business and society to explore the theme “Unleashing Superpowers – Ideas that Transform Systems.” Dr. René Deist is Chief Information & Digital Officer (CIO/CDO) at EnBW. Previously, he held senior positions at ZF, Bosch and Faurecia, where he was responsible for global digital and IT strategies. He has more than 20 years of international experience in digitalization, artificial intelligence and the transformation of complex organizations. With a background in mathematics and a Ph.D., he combines analytical depth with practical leadership experience. His current work focuses on agentic AI, digital business models and future-proof organizational structures. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx