CurrENT responded to the call for evidence on Digitalisation and AI
Europe recognizes electricity grids as vital for decarbonization, energy security, and competitiveness. The energy transition demands accelerating the digital transformation of grids to manage increasing complexity. Innovative grid technologies and AI are key to improving monitoring, management, and investment, while also posing new energy demands. CurrENT urges rapid deployment of these technologies to maximize grid potential at minimal consumer cost. Digitalization and AI are essential for optimizing grid efficiency.
Faster scale-up of innovative grid technologies: While research and innovation remain important, it is equally important to quickly scale and deploy the technologies that have been used. Grid enhancing technologies with and without AI have a crucial role to play in addressing all these challenges. New technologies and enhanced analytic tools leveraging increased sensor capabilities and computing power will also support the NOVA principles for grid development strategy that put optimization of exisiting assets before reinforcement and expansion.
Monitor performance of electricity grids at EU level: The European Commission must propose a limited number of binding, quantifiable grid targets at both transmission and distribution level. Regular monitoring of the progress of these targets will demonstrate whether Europe is on track to decarbonize the electricity system well before 2040, and raise the alarm when Europe risks falling behind, particularly as this affects European Competitiveness.
Financing fit to scale-up digitalisation and AI : Europe needs financing mechanisms that will enable the mass deployment of innovative grid technologies, e.g. benefit-sharing incentives that reward system operators for expanding their toolbox of technologies to save consumers money, guarantees that alleviate grid operator financial risks specific to trialling new technologies, dedicated grid technology calls under the Innovation Fund and other research and innovation programmes.
Establishing governance for a European data space for energy, with data sovereignty, interoperability and cloud infrastructure : This framework must ensure data sovereignty under EU law and align with key regulations such as the NIS2 Directive, Cyber Resilience Act, and AI Act. Interoperability should be based on common data models, open standards, and certification schemes. Strengthening Europe’s energy security requires leveraging innovative grid technologies that enhance both physical resilience and cybersecurity. Finally, governance frameworks should not only ensure compliance but also support innovation and scalable deployment of new digital and AI-driven solutions, encouraging pilot projects and cross-border collaboration.
