Meet VIREAS: new AI-powered virtual assistant for energy

Croatia’s Regional Energy Agency North has launched VIREAS – a virtual energy assistant powered by artificial intelligence.

VIREAS answers users’ questions about energy renovation and renewable energy sources in real time, provides recommendations tailored to users’ homes and needs, helps identify opportunities to save energy and reduce costs, and explains technical concepts in simple terms, the Regional Energy Agency North (REA North) said.

The VIREAS app is an interactive platform that enables users to engage with an AI assistant on various topics related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

VIREAS is designed for those who want to save energy and use renewables

The idea behind the chatbot is to help owners of houses and buildings improve energy efficiency or install facilities for the use of renewable energy sources. For example, it assists in renovating the facade, replacing the heating system, or installing a heat pump or solar power plant.

It enables faster, easier, and more secure decision-making processes related to energy renovation, without the need for expert knowledge, the agency claimed.

VIREAS can be used both by people with very little knowledge and by experts

Using VIREAS is simple and user-friendly for everyone, whether you have very little knowledge or you are an expert, according to REA North.

In addition to technical recommendations, VIREAS informs users about available subsidies and public calls from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund or FZOEU, making it easier to access public funds and further reduce investment costs.

The agency warned that VIREAS doesn’t replace a project designer or a certified energy consultant

REA North underlined that VIREAS uses official sources of information. It includes public calls launched by FZOEU, technical rules on thermal protection and heating and cooling systems, and energy certification rulebooks.

The agency stressed that although its chatbot provides useful information and tips, it doesn’t replace a project designer or authorized energy consultant. REA North advised citizens to consult experts to make a final decision and for the preparation of project documentation.

The design of the chatbot was co-financed by the BauNOW project under the Interreg Euro-MED program.