How AI and data are transforming the way we manage the grid

As Europe’s power system decentralises and adds more renewables, flexibility is becoming critical to keep the grid balanced—shifting from large power plants to distributed resources such as EVs, buildings and industry.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Yusuf Latief hears from Michael Villa, Executive Director at SmartEn, and Jochem van Hove, Managing Director for Energy and Resources EMEA at Microsoft, about how data platforms, AI and digital tools can help coordinate these resources in real time.

Villa explains that much of the flexibility potential already exists but remains underused due to a lack of price signals, market mechanisms and data infrastructure. Van Hove highlights how AI and generative AI are improving forecasting, enabling more accurate system insights and helping identify loads that can be shifted in time or location.

The speakers also discuss the importance of cybersecurity as energy systems become more connected, and the need for policy frameworks that support data sharing and market-based flexibility.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, you will learn more about:

• Why flexibility is becoming critical in a decentralised energy system;
• The role of AI and data in managing distributed energy resources;
• How EVs, buildings, industries and data centres can provide flexibility;
• The importance of real-time data and digital platforms;
• Cyber-security considerations in digitalised energy systems;
• Policy and market frameworks needed to unlock demand-side flexibility.

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Listen to previous episodes:

Why Latvia’s first grid-scale battery is a breakthrough for the Baltics
What will it take to truly digitalise the European power grid?

More on AI in the energy sector:

How data centre-driven power demand is shaping big tech power plays
How AI can give ageing grids millisecond resilience
AI demonstrates data centre demand management