15th BES Seminar: Realistic use of Artificial Intelligence in power system
The future of the grid: how AI is powering Europe’s energy revolution
As Europe races toward its goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050, the invisible backbone of our society – the power grid – is undergoing a high-tech makeover. At the 15 Bes seminar in Rome, experts gathered to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic dream but a vital tool for keeping the lights on.
Why the grid needs a brain
For decades, managing electricity was relatively straightforward. Today, however, the system is becoming incredibly complex. We are moving toward from a few large power plants to millions of solar panels and wind turbines. While this is essential for the future of our planet, it makes the grid harder to stabilize. Recent “near-miss” incidents – including voltage issues and blackouts across parts of Europe and the Balkans between 2021 and 2025 – have highlighted the need for faster, smarter reactions. Human operators are now managing so much data that they need “digital co-pilots” to help them make split-second decisions.
The EU’s digital roadmap
The European Union is not leaving this transition to chance. Under the “2030 Digital decade” program, the EU is rolling out a series of laws to ensure AI is used safely and effectively. A major milestone is expected with the launch of the “Cloud and AI development act”. This plan aims to triple Europe’s data center capacity and ensure that critical infrastructure – like our power lines – runs on secure, European-based technology. Furthermore, new guidelines are being finalized to classify certain AI uses in energy as “high-risk”, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards before they are deployed.
Meet the “Digital Twin”
One of the most ambitious projects discussed was the creation of a Digital Twin of the European electricity grid. Imagine a perfect virtual replica of every power line and substation across Europe. This “twin” allows engineers to test “what-if” scenarios – like a massive heatwave or a sudden storm – in a virtual world before they happen in reality. By using this technology, grid operators can predict when a piece of equipment might fail or find the most efficient way to send renewable energy from a windy northern coast to a sunny southern city.
AI as an assistant, not a replacement
Despite the talk of automation, experts emphasize that AI is here to help humans, not replace them. “AI complements rather than replaces human oversight”, the seminar documents noted. The goal is to move from manual processes toward “autonomous grid actions” where the system can heal itself from minor faults, allowing human experts to focus on the most complex challenges.
The road ahead
The path isn’t without hurdles. Europe still faces a shortage of skilled workers who understand both energy and AI, and concerns about cybersecurity remain high. However, the vision is clear: by 2035, the EU aims for a fully digitalized energy system that is more efficient, more flexible, and – most importantly – ready for a green future.