How can we best manage power grids in the age of artificial intelligence?
Event Smart Energy, the leading conference for the energy sector in French-speaking Switzerland, will hold its 16th edition on August 27 and 28 at the Energypolis Campus in Sion. This year, the focus will be on the management of energy infrastructure and networks. Such management is inconceivable without the contributions of digitalization and short- and medium-term storage. About ten speakers will share their insights and solutions to ensure a secure and reliable power grid. The full program and ticket information are available here : www.eventsmartenergy.ch.
Since its inception, the Event Smart Energy,—which we co-organize with The Ark Foundation—has established itself as an essential platform for discussing the transformations taking place in the energy sector, which has been significantly impacted by the rise of renewable energy. At a time when Switzerland is considering a possible return to nuclear power, the event will feature a pioneer in solar photovoltaics, Prof. Christophe Ballif. He will speak on Thursday, August 27, at the opening of the conference. His presentation, titled “The Energy Transition at a Rapid Pace: From Major Advances to Minor Challenges, from Switzerland to China,” will provide an overview of the current situation in the energy sector and the field of renewable energy.
From AI to storage
In the age of artificial intelligence, digitalization seems essential to ensuring the reliability of the power grid. The day on Friday, August 28, will begin with a presentation by Katrin J. Yuan, CEO of the Swiss Future Institute and an expert in technological transformation. She will discuss how AI can help grid operators be more efficient and effective in their day-to-day management. Digitalization also brings with it the risk of hacking or data breaches. Marc Sommer of Softcom will detail the tools and potential approaches for securing the management of power grids, using concrete examples.
The event will also take stock of the topic of energy storage, a key component of the energy transition. Switzerland recently inaugurated one of Europe’s largest pumped-storage power plants: Nant de Drance. This facility serves as a “mega-battery” to ensure the stability of the regional and national grid. What are the main lessons learned since it went into operation? Can it successfully fulfill its missions? The plant’s director, Jeremy Urech, will be on hand on August 28 to discuss this.
As the number of energy storage batteries grows, intelligent management systems for these batteries must also be implemented. The Valais-based company Misurio specializes in this field. Its CEO, Karl Werlen, will discuss some of the solutions already deployed in the field, particularly for energy distributors.
The morning will conclude with a panel discussion moderated by journalist Jonas Schneiter, featuring Nicolas Varone (Oiken), Benoît Martinet (FMV), François Maréchal (EPFL), and Ben Gemsjäger (Siemens). They will discuss their experiences in the field of power grid management.
Practical information
Registration is now open at www.eventsmartenergy.ch, with special rates available through the end of June. The event is expected to bring together approximately 180 energy experts from across Switzerland.
Simultaneous French-German interpretation will be provided for participants.
Additional information and full program: www.eventsmartenergy.ch
