IEEE Education Activities have launched an artificial intelligence course aimed at modernizing power grids.

Summary

IEEE has launched an online 'Artificial Intelligence in Power and Energy Systems' course to equip engineers with the data science skills needed for modernization.

Why it matters

The US electric grid is operating at its limits due to rapid industrial growth, extreme weather conditions, and increasing electricity demand from data centers. Integrating AI into auxiliary services is seen as vital for processing massive sensor data, predicting failures, and balancing variable renewable energy in real time.

Highlights

• Artificial intelligence can reduce equipment downtime by up to 50% and extend machine lifespan by up to 40%.
• Texas reported a 220 GW surge in connection demand driven by AI and cloud computing facilities, highlighting an unprecedented demand pressure.
• The curriculum focuses on security, asset protection, and reliability rather than viewing AI as a black box.

Critical take

The course may underestimate practical challenges such as retrofitting legacy grid infrastructure and ensuring robust cybersecurity as AI becomes integrated into power system operations.