AI’s potential to re-shape UK energy system

AI could fundamentally re-shape how the energy system functions in the UK, according to the initial findings of a review.

The Government’s AI Champion for Clean Energy Lucy Yu is carrying out a review of the emerging picture of AI deployment which will report later this summer.

In an update, Yu said AI is already being applied across the energy system to improve forecasting, optimise asset performance, and support system planning.

But she said the opportunities go much further and could enable significant transformations in how the energy system is operated including greater decentralisation to enable more flexible and localised decision-making and allowing certain grid operations or functions to be executed automatically.

“Getting this right and realising these new capabilities in the energy system should bring huge benefits to the UK. A more efficiently operated energy system means better utilising the assets we have and building fewer new assets,” Yu said.

“That will lower the system cost, reduce emissions, and ultimately cut bills for households and businesses. And if the UK moves quickly, there is a genuine opportunity for global leadership.”