How Artificial Intelligence Could Enhance T&D for Utilities
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I just read an interesting article about how artificial intelligence (AI) can be deployed to transform utility transmission & distribution (T&D) infrastructure. The article makes the case that this is not optional, as it will be necessary to address the expected load growth stemming from data centers, which currently account for 2% of global energy usage but is expected to account for 5% in just five short years. What follows is a summary and interpretation of what this means for the utility industry.
Benefits of AI for T&D
AI is scary, but the reality is that it offers several benefits for T&D infrastructure. For one, it can optimize electricity generation associated with renewable energy sources by projecting the impact of climate and weather patterns on solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy generation. In addition, AI can help decrease the frequency of unplanned outages by analyzing grid-edge data, monitoring the performance and condition of high-voltage lines, towers, substations, and poles, and optimizing crew deployments to make repairs. Finally, it can help fortify utilities’ cybersecurity measures by enhancing the protection of critical assets from bad actors.
While these benefits are valuable, optimizing them requires AI programs to be scalable, secure, and sustainable. One thing utilities should do to accomplish this is consider participating in cross-industry collaboration and research opportunities, which will help transfer knowledge, and ensure a unified approach as well as the development of shared frameworks. Other recommendations include partnering with a trusted technology provider on the cyber front and ensuring that real-time climate and weather simulations are employed to improve renewable energy generation and protect assets.
In the final analysis, AI is both a blessing and a curse for electric utilities. It’s bad because these types of technologies are power hungry and must be fed without compromising service for other customers. But AI is also good, because it can be used to help optimize T&D infrastructure. Like Eric Clapton says, “it’s in the way that you use it…”
