AI Integration Key to Managing Power Sector Complexity as Renewables Expand: IEA Expert

Rising Electrification and Renewable Share Reshape Electricity Systems​

New Delhi, February 17: Integrating artificial intelligence into electricity systems can help address the rising complexity of the power sector, particularly in countries like India where renewable energy capacity is expected to expand significantly in the coming years, an expert from the International Energy Agency said on Monday.

Speaking at the AI Impact Summit in the national capital, Siddharth Singh from the International Energy Agency highlighted that electricity systems across the world are undergoing structural changes driven by rapid electrification and the growing role of renewables.

He noted that the energy sector, especially electricity systems, is becoming increasingly complex. One of the key drivers behind this shift is the steady rise in electrification, which is changing patterns of energy consumption and increasing reliance on power grids.

Variable Renewable Energy Adds New Challenges​

Singh pointed out that unlike traditional sources of electricity generation, renewable sources such as solar and wind introduce variability into the system. Earlier, most electricity generation came from stable sources. That situation is changing rapidly as the share of variable renewable electricity is expected to become sizeable by the end of this decade.

This transition represents a significant jump in variable electricity within the grid. As solar and wind capacity expands, managing fluctuations in generation becomes more critical.

To address this variability, battery storage systems are increasingly required to stabilise supply. At the same time, new types of electricity markets are emerging to accommodate these changes and ensure grid reliability.

AI for Power: Enabling Automation and Long Term Energy Goals​

During a panel discussion titled AI for Power Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition, Singh underlined that the sector is now operating under long term climate and energy goals that did not exist earlier.

He said the complexity of balancing demand, supply, storage, and renewable integration calls for greater automation. Artificial intelligence can play a central role in managing these dynamics by enabling smarter forecasting, system optimisation, and real time decision making.

Improved Forecasting Critical for India’s Renewable Push​

For India, improved forecasting of variable electricity generation is particularly important. Singh emphasised that solar and wind power require precise tracking and forecasting, sometimes at minute by minute intervals.

Understanding cloud cover in specific locations and anticipating fluctuations in wind patterns are essential for maintaining grid stability. AI based tools can enhance forecasting accuracy and help operators better manage renewable integration.

As India moves towards a higher share of renewable energy in its power mix, leveraging artificial intelligence in grid operations and energy management could become a crucial component in ensuring reliability and efficiency in the evolving electricity system.