Iberdrola launches AI innovation project to optimise power grids

Iberdrola is leading the AI Innovation Data Space (i-DS) project to improve value extraction from data to optimise power grids.

Specifically, the aim is to apply AI to speed up and enhance the extraction of value from the data to improve the service of distribution networks.

Collaborating in the project, which is being undertaken within Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, is the Basque government’s Basque Centre for Applied Mathematics (BCAM), which will participate in the development of the use cases proposed.

In particular, the BCAM is set to focus on demand forecasting in the LV network through management improvement actions based on the generation of future consumption and generation scenarios in order to prioritise actions in the demand forecasting process linked to LV grid planning and investment prioritisation.

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This is not the first project in which the BCAM has participated, having been involved in the Innovation Hub since its launch in October 2021.

For example, the BCAM is involved in the Iberdrola-led IA4TES (Artificial Intelligence for the Sustainable Energy Transition) project, which was started in 2022 to investigate solutions that different AI technologies can bring to the electricity sector.

With funding of more than €12.5 million, the three-year project is being undertaken within the framework of the Digital Spain Agenda 2025 and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and is planned to lead to the formation of a centre of excellence for AI in the energy sector.

More about Iberdrola in Bilbao:
Basque Energy Cluster: Future-proofing the energy value chain
The Basque Country – a hotbed of energy innovation
Electricity sector is the ‘engine of the energy transition’ says Iberdrola CEO

Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub

The Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, which is located in Bilbao, was launched by Iberdrola España in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Bizkaia as a collaborative work environment for research, development and innovation in smart grids to help respond to the challenges of the energy transition.

From the outset, more than 120 projects for future development worth €130 million were identified.

Since the launch of the Hub ongoing R&D&I projects have been registered for a total estimated investment of €42 million in Iberdrola Redes España.

In addition, agreements have been reached with more than 100 technology partners for the development of grid digitalisation solutions, integration of renewables, deployment of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

The Head of the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, Noemí Alonso explains: “The creation of the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub is a further commitment by Iberdrola España to remain at the forefront of the energy transition, developing new business and distribution technology models through collaboration.”