This emerging technology promises not only to improve the efficiency of urban services but also to redefine how cities manage their resources and ensure quality of life for their residents. A prime example of this transformation is the agreement signed by the City of Granada and the energy company Endesa on the development of the eCity programme in the Pajaritos neighbourhood—a pioneering initiative that is part of iQuantum, the City Council’s Urban AI Demonstration Centre.
In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of implementing AI in cities, highlighting projects like eCity Granada that are leading the way in building more sustainable, smart, and connected urban environments.
1. Optimisation of public services
One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to optimise public services in urban settings. From waste management to transportation, AI can analyse large volumes of data in real time, identify patterns, and propose improvements that reduce costs and waiting times.
For example, within the context of the eCity programme in Granada, AI allows energy and resources to be managed more efficiently. The ability to predict when and where electricity consumption will peak in the Pajaritos neighbourhood and adjust supply accordingly helps reduce demand spikes, minimise energy losses, and enhance sustainability. AI has thus become a key tool for proactively and efficiently managing the city’s energy resources, which results in significant economic savings for municipalities and, by extension, for citizens.
Smart transportation and mobility
AI also plays a crucial role in optimising transportation. By leveraging advanced algorithms, AI can predict traffic flows, optimise public transport routes, and reduce waiting times. In some cities, AI-powered self-driving transportation systems have already been successfully implemented.
As for the eCity Granada programme, the use of AI is being explored to manage traffic in the Pajaritos neighbourhood to reduce congestion and promote more sustainable mobility. The combination of electric transport and a more efficient road network not only improves the city residents’ quality of life but also helps reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change.
2. Improvement in energy sustainability
Sustainability is one of the key challenges facing cities today. As urban populations grow and resource consumption increases, it is essential for cities to adopt technologies that promote more efficient and responsible energy use. This is where AI comes into play.
eCity Granada's goal is to transform the Pajaritos neighbourhood into a model for energy sustainability. Thanks to the collaboration between the City Council and Endesa, AI will be implemented to monitor and manage electricity consumption in the neighbourhood, using renewable energy sources and optimising their distribution. Furthermore, AI-based forecasting systems will anticipate the area's energy needs, enabling supply to be adjusted more effectively to match demand.
These initiatives not only reduce the cities’ carbon footprint but also pave the way for a future where cities run on 100% renewable energy. In this context, AI has become a key ally in helping cities achieve the European Union’s sustainability targets for 2050.
3. Improving public safety
Safety is another area where AI can make a significant impact. Through the use of smart cameras and AI-based surveillance systems, cities can improve the safety of their residents by identifying unusual or potentially dangerous behaviours.
For instance, by analysing images in real time, AI can detect emergency situations, such as accidents or fires, and immediately alert the authorities. This allows emergency services to respond more quickly and efficiently, potentially saving lives.
In Granada, the eCity project also envisions using AI to improve safety in the Pajaritos neighbourhood. In addition to smart surveillance, AI can be integrated into other systems, such as public lighting, to adjust light intensity based on street activity, further contributing to public safety.
4. Citizen engagement and transparency
AI goes beyond optimising infrastructure and services - it also has the potential to improve urban governance. By using AI-powered platforms, citizens can more easily engage with local administrations, suggest ideas, report issues, or participate in decision-making processes.
In this context, the eCity Granada project aims to not only bring technological improvements but also to foster greater citizen participation. Through AI-based digital platforms, the residents of the Pajaritos neighbourhood will be able to monitor the district’s energy consumption in real time, offer suggestions for improving sustainability, and actively participate in the development of the project.
This not only strengthens the bond between the local government and its citizens but also promotes greater transparency and trust in public institutions.
5. Promoting innovation and job creation
The implementation of AI in cities also has a positive impact on the economy. By embracing these advanced technologies, cities can cultivate an innovation ecosystem that attracts tech companies and startups, creating new jobs and development opportunities.
The eCity programme, under the umbrella of the Granada City Council’s Urban AI Demonstration Centre, is a clear example of how a city can become an innovation hub. This project will not only improve the infrastructure of the Pajaritos neighbourhood but also attract AI technology companies and professionals, creating a tech hub that will boost the local economy.
Moreover, as a pioneering project in Spain, eCity Granada can serve as a model for other cities looking to implement similar initiatives, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices both nationally and internationally.
As an example, the first conference on ‘AI for city councils’ will be held on 28 November at the iQuantum IA demonstration centre. Over 250 attendees are expected, including mayors, councillors, and senior officials from major cities across Spain. For more information and event details.
AI is playing a crucial role in transforming cities, making them safer and more efficient and sustainable. Initiatives like the eCity Granada project highlight how collaboration between the public and private sectors can pave the way for the creation of smart cities that improve residents’ quality of life while reducing their environmental impact.
Through its collaboration with Endesa, Granada is at the forefront of urban AI implementation. This partnership positions the city as a benchmark in developing technological solutions for citizen well-being, both in Spain and Europe. The future of cities is undoubtedly closely intertwined with the development of AI, and projects like eCity represent the first step toward that transformation.