As the world races to decarbonize and modernize its electricity grids, the conversation often centers on building more: more solar panels, more wind turbines, more transmission lines. But what if the real solution to the energy transition lies not just in constructing new infrastructure, but in using what we already have far more intelligently? That’s the provocative idea gaining traction among industry leaders and technology innovators, and it’s reshaping how utilities, policymakers, and consumers think about the future of power.
On June 9, 2026, two major events highlighted this shift in thinking. First, the Earthshot Foundation released a comprehensive report from its GridIron dialogues, a series of high-level discussions among energy experts on how to meet the challenge of rising electricity demand while keeping the grid affordable and reliable. At nearly the same time, Kraken—a cutting-edge utility technology platform spun out of the UK’s Octopus Energy—shared insights into how artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches can make existing energy infrastructure smarter, not just bigger.
“The energy transition is often framed as a challenge of building more, but what if a significant part of the solution lies in using existing infrastructure far more intelligently?” mused Kraken CEO Amir Orad during a recent interview with Energy Intelligence. It’s a question that goes to the heart of the debate: Are we missing opportunities to get more out of the grid we already have?
Kraken’s approach is rooted in data—billions of data points, to be exact. Every day, Kraken’s platform processes this staggering volume of information using advanced artificial intelligence. The goal? To help utilities across Europe, Australia, Japan, the United States, and Canada manage their networks more efficiently, adapt to new forms of energy, and respond to demand in real time.
Orad explained that the old model of centralized power generation—think massive plants sending electricity in one direction to passive consumers—is rapidly giving way to something far more dynamic. “Energy systems are moving from a centralized model toward a more decentralized and flexible architecture, where managing demand becomes just as important as supplying power,” he said. In this new world, flexibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s poised to become one of the defining features of the energy systems of tomorrow.
But what does that mean in practice? Imagine a future where millions of homes, businesses, and even electric vehicles are all connected to the grid and able to react instantly to changing conditions. If there’s a surge in demand, or a sudden dip in wind or solar generation, smart systems can automatically adjust usage, shift loads, or tap into distributed batteries. The result: fewer blackouts, lower costs, and a smoother path to integrating renewables.
Of course, getting there isn’t just a matter of plugging in some new software. It requires rethinking everything from market rules to consumer incentives. That’s where the Earthshot Foundation’s GridIron dialogues come in. Their newly released report, also dated June 9, 2026, captures the essence of conversations among some of the most influential voices in the industry.
The panel, emceed by Axios’ Amy Harder, brought together Grid Strategies President Rob Gramlich, NERC CEO Jim Robb, Con Edison Transmission CEO Stuart Nachmias, and Arcadia CEO Kiran Bhatraju. Together, they tackled the thorny question: How do we meet soaring energy demand without sending costs through the roof or compromising reliability?
According to the Earthshot Foundation’s report, one key takeaway is that the grid’s transition isn’t just about adding new resources—it’s about orchestrating them in harmony. As renewables and distributed energy sources proliferate, the grid’s complexity increases. Managing this complexity requires not only physical upgrades but also smarter, more adaptive technologies.
Rob Gramlich emphasized the importance of planning: “We need to anticipate where demand is going and make sure the grid can respond quickly and flexibly.” Jim Robb, representing the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), highlighted the growing challenge of maintaining reliability as the grid evolves. “It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about doing so in a way that’s affordable and sustainable for everyone,” he said.
Stuart Nachmias of Con Edison Transmission pointed to the need for investment, but also for creativity. “We can’t simply build our way out of every problem. We need to leverage new technologies and smarter operations,” he argued. Meanwhile, Kiran Bhatraju of Arcadia underscored the role of consumers, noting that “empowering people to participate in demand response and flexibility markets can unlock huge benefits.”
Kraken’s model offers a glimpse of what that future might look like. By harnessing AI to process billions of data points daily, Kraken helps utilities anticipate and respond to fluctuations in demand, optimize the use of existing assets, and integrate distributed resources seamlessly. This isn’t just theoretical; it’s already happening in several European countries, as well as in Australia, Japan, the US, and Canada.
“Flexibility is expected to become a defining feature of future energy systems,” Orad told Energy Intelligence. That flexibility comes in many forms: from smart thermostats that adjust automatically, to electric vehicles that charge when the grid is greenest, to industrial facilities that shift operations to off-peak hours. The common thread is the ability to respond in real time to the needs of the grid, turning consumers into active participants and assets into adaptable tools.
But challenges remain. The Earthshot Foundation report notes that regulatory hurdles, outdated market structures, and a lack of coordination can all slow progress. Utilities and regulators must work together to create incentives for flexibility, invest in digital infrastructure, and ensure that the benefits of a smarter grid are shared equitably.
There’s also the question of affordability. As demand rises—driven by electrification of transport, heating, and industry—keeping energy costs manageable becomes ever more urgent. The GridIron dialogues made clear that technology alone isn’t enough; policies must also evolve to support innovation and protect consumers.
Still, there’s a sense of optimism among industry leaders. The combination of advanced technology, forward-thinking policy, and engaged consumers offers a path to a grid that’s not just bigger, but better. As Orad put it, “The opportunity is enormous if we focus on making the most of what we already have.”
In the end, the future of the energy transition may not hinge on how much we build, but on how smartly we use what’s already in place. With companies like Kraken leading the way and organizations like the Earthshot Foundation fostering critical dialogue, the stage is set for a new era of intelligence, flexibility, and collaboration in the world’s energy systems.