Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the energy sector by enabling smarter and more resilient energy systems. According to Thomas Amram, "AI is now a critical enabler in modern power system operations, enhancing fault prediction, asset management, and real-time control to support the UK's decarbonisation and resilience goals".
AI-powered predictive models can forecast fault risk during extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves, allowing network operators to prepare and respond. By analyzing asset condition and usage, AI can optimize maintenance schedules, reducing costs and increasing reliability. Additionally, AI-driven anomaly detection models can identify electricity theft and other non-technical losses, while AI automates assessment processes, analyzing connection request patterns to support faster decision-making.
The benefits of AI in energy systems are numerous. It enables smarter maintenance, reducing the likelihood of power outages during challenging conditions, and unlocks significant operational benefits, saving time and reducing costs for power utilities. AI also provides valuable insights, supporting informed decision-making in real-time grid operations.
Emerging AI techniques, such as deep reinforcement learning, federated learning, and digital twins, are further enhancing the capabilities of energy systems. These technologies optimize real-time grid operations, enable collaborative development of accurate forecasting models, and simulate and predict grid behavior under various conditions, improving reliability and resilience.
By harnessing the power of AI, the energy sector can create smarter, more efficient, and more resilient energy systems, ultimately supporting the transition to a more sustainable and decarbonized future.
