San Diego Convention Center

2025 Technical Conference Sessions

​Realizing autonomous energy systems with generative AI: Tackling an increasingly complex energy grid with minimal human intervention

25 Mar 2025
D1 (Clear Fork)
Breakout Sessions , Artificial Intelligence , Virtual Power Plants

This panel will explore the intersection of generative AI (GenAI)and autonomous energy systems (AES) in tackling increasingly complex energy landscapes. As renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and smart buildings proliferate, energy systems require advanced management of distributed generation points and billions of connected devices. 
 
Experts from NREL, Duke Energy, and Dominion Energy, will discuss how GenAI can enhance AES capabilities, including optimized controls, real-time operations, robust tolerance to disturbances and outages, interoperability, and scalability. The panel will explore applicable use cases and cutting-edge applications in decentralizing control, streamlining variable renewable generation, and enabling rapid integration of new distributed energy resources. 
 
Drawing from innovative research and demonstrated solutions, panelists will share insights on their efforts implementing GenAI-powered AES in various contexts, from resilient communities to virtual power plants. The discussion will address challenges and opportunities in transitioning to large-scale, low-emissions, intelligent autonomous energy systems with minimal human intervention.  

Sponsored by AWS

Panel Moderator
Rolf Gibbels
Rolf Gibbels, Head WW Business Development | Go to Market - Amazon Web Services
Speakers
Augustus “Gus” Johnson IV
Augustus “Gus” Johnson IV, Vice President–Grid and Technical Solutions - Dominion Energy Virginia
Fei Ding
Fei Ding, Manager, Grid Automation and Controls Group - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Hema Sundaram
Hema Sundaram, Division Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Portland General Electric (PGE)
Richard Donaldson
Richard Donaldson, Vice president and chief information officer - Duke Energy