The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is set to host a specialized workshop aimed at exploring the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector. Scheduled for April 29 and 30, 2025, in Kuwait, this event is part of the global "Open Power AI" initiative launched by EPRI, which seeks to expedite the adoption of AI technologies within the energy sector.
This workshop will feature participation from leading companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, and Nvidia, alongside a selection of international experts. The primary goal is to provide insights into the latest developments in AI and its crucial role in supporting the planning, operation, and management of power grids in the Gulf region.
Engineer Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, the Technical Executive Director of the GCCIA, expressed that the workshop reflects the Authority's ongoing commitment to advancing digital transformation and enhancing the readiness of power grids in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. "This workshop is a strategic tool for developing how electrical networks are planned, operated, and managed more efficiently," he stated.
The agenda for the workshop includes an opening session led by Engineer Al-Ibrahim, where participants will discuss the significance of improving Gulf power grid readiness through the adoption of modern AI technologies. Dr. Aidan Tuohy, the Research Director at EPRI, will also present insights into the potential role of AI in grid planning and operation, emphasizing innovative ideas.
Additionally, the workshop will showcase Microsoft's vision regarding AI applications, presented by Mr. Mansour Belhaj, the General Manager at Microsoft. This session will delve into how AI can enhance operational processes within the utilities sector.
Following this, Dr. Adrian Kiely, the Program Director at EPRI, will discuss various usage scenarios of AI in grid operation. This will be complemented by a presentation from Mr. Mike Ballard, the Vice President for the Utilities Sector Strategy at Oracle, who will explore the integration of AI solutions into operational processes for utilities.
Mr. Jay Ghoritz, the Global Lead for the Energy Sector in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Nvidia, will also present on how Nvidia technologies can support power grid operations by leveraging AI capabilities. The workshop will feature discussions led by Dr. Girguo Farhidi and Dr. Drew McGuire from EPRI, focusing on AI applications in grid planning and power transfer management based on the latest studies and best practices.
Approximately 70 participants are expected to engage in interactive work sessions aimed at identifying key opportunities for AI use in the Gulf energy sector. These sessions will prepare sustainable use cases and develop actionable plans for implementation.
Furthermore, the workshop will include advanced presentations by Dr. Ekaterina Sirazitdinova, a Data Science Fellow at Nvidia, and Mr. Mike Ballard, focusing on the advanced applications of AI in the industry.
The GCCIA is dedicated to fostering technological innovation and enhancing operational efficiency within power grids, contributing to energy security and sustainability across the region. This workshop is a significant step towards achieving those goals, as it facilitates dialogue between decision-makers and global experts to explore the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the energy sector.
As the Gulf region continues to evolve, the integration of AI into energy systems promises to be a game-changer, enabling more efficient management of resources and paving the way for a sustainable future. The GCCIA's initiative exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of energy management in an increasingly complex world.
With such a collaborative effort and focus on innovation, the GCCIA aims to position the Gulf countries at the forefront of technological advancements in energy, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the future.
In conclusion, the upcoming workshop in Kuwait represents a pivotal moment for the Gulf energy sector. By harnessing the power of AI, stakeholders are set to significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of power grids, ultimately contributing to the overarching goal of energy security within the region.
