Powering the Future with AI: Energy Systems & Smart Grids

#IEEEPES #powersystem #CIGREUKNGN

Event style: online 

Date and time: 14th July 2026, 12-1pm

Agenda:

12:00 – 12:05: Welcome.  Intro of IEEE PES WiP  + intro of CIGRE UK NGN 

12:05 – 12:20: Speaker 1 (15 min)

12:20 – 12:35: Speaker 2 (15 min)

12:35 – 12:50: Speaker 3 (15 min)

12:50 – 13:00 Q&A + discussion 

Abstract:

Artificial intelligence is set to play a transformative role in modern energy systems, offering significant benefits in efficiency, reliability, and the integration of renewable resources. From enhanced forecasting to intelligent grid management, AI has the potential to reshape how power systems are planned and operated.

However, realizing these benefits requires more than just advanced algorithms. Integrating AI into energy systems demands robust data infrastructure, domain expertise, and alignment with existing operational frameworks. At the same time, challenges such as data limitations, system complexity, regulatory constraints, and trust in AI-driven decisions continue to shape its adoption.

The event on Powering the Future with AI: Energy Systems & Smart Grids brings together experts to explore these opportunities, requirements, and current constraints, offering practical insights into the path toward more intelligent and resilient energy systems.

1.      Speaker 1: Dr. Da Huo

Short Bio: Dr. Da Huo is a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering at Queen Mary University of London. His research innovates on model-based optimisation and machine learning methods to optimise the operations and planning of flexible resources, power transmission/distribution systems, microgrids and whole systems to enhance network security, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. To date, Huo has been successful with 7 research grant applications, and co-authored over 45 peer-reviewed research papers.

Talk title: AI in Power Systems: an overview and case study

Short abstract: This talk provides an overview of the application of AI in power systems, highlighting the progression from conventional model-based optimisation to learning-based methods. It will also present a case study project focusing on the use of AI for forecasting the energy flexibility of consumers, which enables demand flexibility providers to better estimate domestic flexibility and tailor flexibility provision.

2.    Speaker 2: Amber Elinsky
 

Short Bio: Amber is a project manager at IONATE with a background in general physics and religious studies. Derived from her academic years, Amber specialises in cross-discipline integration, delivering projects that develop power electronics and intelligent control algorithms into a single, hybrid transformer device for the power grid.

Talk Title: Transforming Electrical Networks with AI-Powered Hybrid Intelligent Transformers

Abstract: As the traditional power grid infrastructure ages out and new constraints are introduced into the electrical networks, it is clear that a fundamental shift in the way the power grids are supported and maintained is required. A modern society requires modern solutions.
This presentation will introduce a use case where AI is a tool that can provide long term visibility of the electrical grid health and behaviour. Hybrid Intelligent Transformers (HITs) integrate hardware and software to gather real-time network data from which AI models can provide clarity on load forecasting, managing constraints, and unlock additional network capacity. IONATE's HITs provide data in unmatched granularity and depths. AI is used as a tool to understand this data and improve grid operations in areas that have not been considered before. 

3.    Speaker 3: Anna Carolina Tortora

Short Bio: Head of Innovation, Digitalisation & AI at NESO

Title title: Using AI to keep the lights on today and designing tomorrow’s energy system

Abstract: As GB's energy system becomes more decentralised, weather dependent and complex, balancing supply and demand is becoming one of the sector’s greatest challenges. In this talk, Carolina will explore how NESO is using AI to help maximise the use of renewable energy, support a smarter and more resilient grid, and reduce GB’s reliance on imported energy. She will also reflect on the risks of using AI in such a critical system, and how NESO is approaching them responsibly in a fast-changing environment, as well as the importance of having access to reliable, usable and trustworthy data.