Energy R&D organisation Epri is collaborating with Microsoft to develop and deploy AI in the energy sector.

Under the agreement, and as a part of the Open Power AI Consortium, Epri and Microsoft will collaborate with energy companies globally to enable enhanced grid reliability, improved workforce safety, forecasting and planning models, and real-time grid intelligence using AI. Epri and Microsoft say they are committed to helping enable the secure, resilient future of the energy industry with AI-powered outcomes and repeatable best practices.

Microsoft is a founding member, alongside more than 30 energy companies, of Epri’s Open Power AI Consortium, a cross-sector global effort to use digital technologies and innovate how electricity is made, moved and used by customers. Among the consortium’s goals is to create a sandbox environment to develop and validate AI applications, collaborating with utilities, start-ups, academia, national labs and technology companies.

“Over the next decade, AI is expected to revolutionise the power sector by delivering the capability to enhance grid reliability, optimise asset performance and enable more efficient energy management,” said Epri CEO Arshad Mansoor. “Working with Microsoft, Epri will lead this transformation, driving innovation towards a more resilient and affordable energy future.”

Darryl Willis, corporate vice president at Microsoft (www.microsoft.com), added: “Our collaboration with Epri and the Open Power AI Consortium exemplifies the power of combining technology and industry expertise to deliver significant business outcomes and advance the future of energy. By advancing AI-powered grid intelligence, we are paving the way for a more resilient, efficient and sustainable energy system.”

To learn more about the consortium, visit msites.epri.com/opai.

Founded in 1972, Epri (www.epri.com) is an independent, non-profit energy research and development organisation, with offices around the world. Its experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable and equitable access to electricity across the globe.