Power and utilities - Microsoft Industry Blogs http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/power-and-utilities/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:07:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/cropped-cropped-microsoft_logo_element-32x32.png Power and utilities - Microsoft Industry Blogs http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/power-and-utilities/ 32 32 DTECH 2026: How Microsoft and our partners are accelerating AI innovation for utilities http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/power-and-utilities/2026/02/17/dtech-2026-how-microsoft-and-our-partners-are-accelerating-ai-innovation-for-utilities/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000 AI, unified data, and secure operations are transforming grid modernization—helping utilities scale reliability, accelerate planning, and move from pilots to production.

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DTECH 2026 brought together the energy industry at a moment when industry priorities are rapidly converging. Across sessions and conversations on the show floor, one message was consistent: the grid is becoming a real-time system at every layer, and the operating model must evolve to keep pace.

This year, Microsoft had a clear focus at DTECH 2026: help utilities move from pilots to production by unifying IT and OT data, applying AI where it measurably improves reliability, affordability, and productivity and do so with the security and governance necessary for critical infrastructure.

Microsoft-led sessions explored moving beyond experimentation to focus on how utilities are turning unified data and AI into repeatable, operational outcomes. The takeaways from DTECH this year point to the next chapter of grid modernization—one defined by execution at scale, not pilots. 

What utility leaders reinforced: Keeping pace with change

Utility leaders consistently pointed to the increasing speed of change across the grid. Planning and operations are being pushed to respond faster as load growth becomes larger, more concentrated, and more volatile. Electrification is reshaping peak demand profiles, while capital programs are under pressure to deliver measurable value earlier—even as timelines continue to compress. 

At the distribution level, operational complexity is increasing. Distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, flexible demand, and new market programs are turning distribution systems into highly dynamic environments that demand better visibility, orchestration, and cybersecurity. Utilities are managing bidirectional power flows, evolving protection schemes, and the reality that smaller, distributed assets can have outsized system-level impacts—raising the bar for visibility, orchestration, and cybersecurity.

As a result, resilience is no longer episodic; it is a daily operating requirement. Fragmented data and manual coordination continue to limit situational awareness and slow response during major events.

Industry leaders were realistic about these constraints. Equipment lead times, workforce availability, and regulatory requirements mean that near-term reliability gains often come from improving how existing assets and systems are planned and operated. As a result, progress is increasingly measured by how effectively insights are translated into operational decisions, supported by secure and scalable platforms.

Trusted data as the foundation for AI in operations

Utilities generate vast amounts of data across assets, outages, telemetry, imagery, work management systems, and customer platforms. In many organizations, this data remains distributed across systems with inconsistent definitions, varying latency, and uneven governance.

These conditions slow analysis, create conflicting views of performance, and limit the ability to move from insight to action. Without a consistent and trusted data foundation, AI initiatives struggle to scale beyond isolated use cases. 

Microsoft is focused on helping utilities establish governed data foundations that support analytics and AI across planning, operations, field work, and customer engagement. By enabling scale across use cases—rather than building one‑off pipelines—utilities can align around shared definitions, apply consistent security controls, and collaborate without duplicative effort. 

This matters because the highest value use cases are inherently cross domain. Outage performance, capacity planning, and major event readiness all depend on data that spans systems and organizations. A unified data foundation allows AI to support these decisions with clarity, traceability, and operational relevance. 

From siloed AI solutions to agentic operations

Another notable theme at DTECH 2026 was the growing interest in agent-enabled workflows. Utilities are looking beyond standalone AI tools toward systems that can support multi-step workflows across planning, operations, and field execution, while maintaining appropriate oversight by subject matter experts across the workforce.

The focus is squarely on practical outcomes. Earlier risk identification, clearer paths from signal to action, and stronger coordination across teams are driving interest in these approaches, as utilities seek to move faster.

Human oversight remains foundational. Operators and engineers expect AI systems that surface options, explain their rationale, and reference trusted data—while operating within clearly defined governance boundaries. In regulated, safety‑critical environments, this human‑in‑the‑loop model must align with role‑based access, operational constraints, and established safeguards.

Partner innovation making modernization deployable

Grid modernization depends on strong ecosystem collaboration. No single entity can deliver it alone. What matters is interoperability—how solutions work together across planning, operations, outage restoration, field productivity, and major event response.

That focus was clear in the announcements from Microsoft and our partners at DTECH 2026:

  • Dragos—Microsoft and Dragos announced an expanded partnership focused on helping organizations modernize and secure their cyber-physical operations. By combining Dragos’ OT threat intelligence and detection capabilities with Microsoft’s cloud, AI, and security platforms, utilities can strengthen the safety, reliability, and resilience of the critical systems that power businesses and communities. 
  • GE Vernova on Azure—GridOS Data Fabric and DDLR are now on Microsoft Azure, combining GE Vernova’s operational expertise with Microsoft’s cloud, AI, and analytics.
  • Hitachi—Hitachi Energy’s Ellipse EAM is being combined with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and Microsoft Foundry to create a unified solution that manages data, analytics, and business operations, supports asset operations, and provides visibility of equipment across entire networks for more reliable services, safer operations, and fewer emergency repairs.  
  • Itron—The new Itron Intelligent Edge Operating System (IEOS) Connector for Microsoft 365 Copilot uses trusted grid-edge data to redefine grid edge intelligence by applying AI at scale to optimize operations, enhance predictive insights, and enrich customer experiences.
  • Schneider Electric—Microsoft’s AI, cloud, and data capabilities are integrated in the One Digital Grid Platform, enabling operations to move from prediction to execution in minutes.

These developments reflect continued progress toward reference architectures and reusable patterns that reduce bespoke integration and support broader adoption across utility environments.

Security and resilience built into modernization

Security remains a core consideration as IT and OT environments converge and connectivity at the edge increases. Utility leaders emphasized the importance of approaches that function across hybrid architectures and reflect operational realities.

Identity, access management, monitoring, and governance must be consistently applied across cloud, edge, and on‑premises systems. Resilience improves when operators have timely visibility, clear decision paths, and automation that supports established operating practices.

What comes next

DTECH 2026 highlighted a clear direction for grid modernization; utilities are prioritizing:

  • Trusted data foundations spanning IT and OT.
  • AI and agent-enabled capabilities embedded in operational workflows.
  • Secure architectures designed to support reliability, governance, and resilience.

Microsoft will continue to work alongside utilities and industry partners to advance these priorities and support grid operations that can adapt to increasing complexity while delivering reliable outcomes for customers and communities. 

Turn insight into action

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Powering Asia-Pacific’s energy future: AI and digital innovation for utilities http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2025/09/30/powering-asia-pacifics-energy-future-ai-and-digital-innovation-for-utilities/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 With growing demand and climate goals, Asia-Pacific’s energy providers are turning to AI and digital innovation to modernize infrastructure and decarbonize operations.

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Accelerating Asia-Pacific’s energy transition

Asia-Pacific’s electric utility sector is undergoing rapid transformation. With nearly 5 billion people—the region accounts for more than half the world’s population,1 half of global electricity consumption,2 and three-quarters of the planet’s coal production and consumption.3 Rising urbanization, economic growth, and climate commitments are driving utilities to modernize infrastructure, expand energy access, and decarbonize grid operations.

At Enlit Asia 2025 in Bangkok earlier in September, more than 12,000 energy professionals gathered to explore these challenges and opportunities. As a proud sponsor, Microsoft—alongside its customers and partners—showcased how AI and digital technologies are helping utilities to build smarter, more resilient electricity networks.

By uniting AI, data, and cloud technologies, we’re committed to driving digital transformation and empowering the energy workforce across Asia-Pacific. Today, we’ll explore key trends shaping the region’s utilities and highlight solutions that are already powering the new energy future with AI.

Asia-Pacific’s electric utility landscape is shaped by vast geographic diversity and varying levels of market maturity—from advanced economies like Japan and Australia to rapidly developing energy systems in Southeast Asia. Despite these differences, several shared trends are emerging that redefine how utilities plan, operate, and innovate across the region.

1. Population and demand growth

Asia-Pacific’s demographic scale continues to drive electricity demand. Utilities are under pressure to expand capacity, improve reliability, and add renewables—all while managing aging infrastructure and grid complexity.

2. Economic expansion and energy use

Global electricity demand rose by 4.3% in 2024, with continued growth projected through 2027.4 Developing economies account for around 85% of additional global electricity demand, with China providing more than half of these gains.4 Southeast Asia also remains a key driver with strong industrial and commercial momentum. This growth is tightly linked to gross domestic product (GDP) performance, with emerging markets—primarily in Asia-Pacific, projected to average 4.06% GDP growth through 2035.5

3. Carbon intensity and fossil fuel dependence

Coal remains dominant, accounting for 57% of the region’s electricity generation in 2022.6 Asia-Pacific has the highest carbon dioxide intensity globally—590g CO₂/kWh versus the global average of 460g CO₂/kWh.6 Interest in nuclear and small modular reactors has risen sharply in recent years, as utilities explore low-carbon baseload generation sources.

4. Renewable energy expansion

In the next three years, low-emissions generation is set to rise at twice the annual growth rate between 2018 and 2023.7 Solar, wind, and hydro investments are accelerating, supported by policy reforms and regional power trade initiatives.

AI for Grid System Planning:

Watch the webinar

5. Grid modernization and decentralization

Utilities are investing in smarter grids to accommodate Distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles (EVs), and digital technologies. The shift from centralized to decentralized generation is reshaping utility operations, requiring new approaches to cybersecurity, forecasting, and customer engagement.

Microsoft’s global energy partnerships and powering the new energy future with AI

Microsoft is partnering with leading utilities and technology providers across the region to deliver AI and digital solutions that address operational, regulatory, and grid modernization challenges.

Here are five examples of how we’re helping energy organizations transform:

1. Enterprise knowledge advisor for power plant operations

In partnership with JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, Microsoft helped deploy an AI-powered enterprise knowledge advisor to enhance thermal plant efficiency. Using generative AI, the solution surfaces insights from historical data and maintenance logs, allowing for faster decision-making, predictive maintenance, and real-time troubleshooting.

2. Generative AI for permitting

Permitting clean energy projects can take years and cost millions of dollars. Microsoft’s generative AI for Energy Permitting Solution Accelerator automates document drafting, regulatory analysis, and pre-submission reviews. The solution generates complete environmental filings ready for human refinement—reducing time, cost, and complexity across multiple regulatory environments.

3. Distributed energy resources management (DERM) with Schneider Electric and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

Together with Schneider Electric and PG&E, Microsoft enables advanced DERMS to orchestrate solar, battery, and EV infrastructure. The joint solution adds Schneider’s advanced distribution management system (ADMS) and Azure AI to optimize DER participation, forecast grid conditions, and support wholesale market operations. The Grid AI Assistant provides operators with real-time guidance and AI-powered resolution strategies.

4. Visual anomaly detection and predictive maintenance

Microsoft’s multimodal generative AI orchestration (MGO) framework combines image recognition, sensor data, and historical records to detect anomalies in grid assets. Energy companies in Asia have deployed this solution to reduce safety incidents, improve response times, and enhance asset reliability—supporting both field crews and control room operators.

5. AI for forecasting and decision support

AI-powered forecasting and decision management solutions are helping utilities in Asia-Pacific streamline operations across asset management, trading desks, and customer engagement. These solutions include advanced renewable forecasting to reduce curtailment and avoid regulatory penalties, generative AI trading platforms to make better-informed decisions in dynamic wholesale markets, and behind-the-meter load management platforms to optimize demand-side resources.

An engineer wearing a hardhat uses a digital tablet while working the night shift at petroleum oil refinery.

Microsoft for energy and resources

Drive innovation to achieve net zero and deliver safe, reliable, equitable energy for a sustainable future.

Shaping the future of energy

As Asia-Pacific utilities face rising demand and decarbonization pressures, Microsoft is proud to partner with industry leaders to deliver scalable, secure, and intelligent solutions. From optimizing plant operations to streamlining permitting and managing DERs, our technologies are helping utilities unlock new value and accelerate the energy transition. Together, let’s power the new energy future with AI.

Learn how Microsoft can support your organization’s journey


1 Population and Development Data, Demographic Changes in Asia and the Pacific, ESCAP
2 International Renewable Energy Agency, Asia and Pacific
3 “Asia digs up and burns three-quarters of the world’s coal,” The Economist, April 22, 2019
4 Demand, Electricity 2025 Analysis, IEA
5 “Emerging Markets: A Decisive Decade,” S&P Global, October 16, 2024
6 “Coal dominates Asia Pacific’s generation mix in 2022,” Asian Power
7 Executive summary, Electricity 2024 Analysis, IEA

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Driving the grid of the future: How Microsoft and our partners are reenvisioning energy with AI http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2025/07/28/driving-the-grid-of-the-future-how-microsoft-and-our-partners-are-reenvisioning-energy-with-ai/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 To keep pace with the energy transition, we need to move from static studies to dynamic, data-driven planning.

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AI for grid operations: Key insights from our latest energy and resources webinar

Electricity is no longer just a utility—it’s the backbone of modern life. From the devices in our homes to the data centers powering AI, demand for electricity is surging at a pace our current infrastructure was never designed to handle. As climate goals accelerate electrification across industries and extreme weather events test grid resilience, one truth becomes clear: we can’t afford to build the grid of the future at the pace of the past. And that starts with rethinking how we plan.

In today’s very dynamic environment, technology is needed to make processes even more streamlined, faster, and proactive. Technology can support the planning process to model future demand, quickly assess capacity, and propose solutions in a more real-time environment. If we want to keep pace with the energy transition, we need to move from static studies to dynamic, data-driven planning. That means embracing digital tools, AI-powered forecasting, and collaborative workflows that can compress timelines from years to months.

In June, we hosted the webinar “AI for Grid Operations: Smarter Planning and Modeling with Microsoft and ThinkLabs AI,” bringing together industry leaders to explore how AI is transforming operations in the power and utilities sector. Featuring insights from experts at Microsoft, ThinkLabs, Southern Company, and EPRI, the session highlighted how AI is driving workforce development, boosting operational efficiency, and building more resilient energy systems. Below, we’ve distilled the key takeaways to help your organization understand how AI can unlock new levels of innovation and performance. You can also watch the full on-demand recording of the webinar here.

AI and agent-powered workflows are revolutionizing grid operations

A central theme throughout the discussion—featuring Joshua Wong (ThinkLabs AI), Robin Lanier (Georgia Power, a Southern Company subsidiary), Cameron Riley (EPRI), and Microsoft panelists—was the transformative role of AI in enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making. Utilities are already starting to use AI to forecast the impacts of severe weather on the grid, streamline workflows, and enhance operational readiness.

Robin Lanier, Director of Grid Strategy and Solutions at Georgia Power, emphasized how digital twins can be used to simulate infrastructure virtually. These simulations not only improve training and safety but allow workers to conduct visual walkthroughs and scenario planning in a more risk-free environment. AI is also enabling personalized upskilling by tailoring training to individual employee needs, helping teams quickly acquire relevant skills aligned with evolving roles and career paths. Moreover, it is automating routine tasks, boosting productivity, and preserving institutional knowledge as a large number of experienced workers retire—helping to ensure continuity and resilience in grid operations.

Accelerating grid planning with AI-powered simulations

Josh Wong, CEO of ThinkLabs AI, showcased how his team is pushing the boundaries of grid planning through physics-informed, AI-powered grid simulations. Their technology has dramatically reduced the time required for power flow simulations—from days to just minutes. In fact, ThinkLabs’ solutions can simulate multi-year 8760 (hourly for the year) power flow analysis on over 100 distribution circuits in under five minutes, and automatically generate optimal solutions to grid constraints—demonstrating the immense potential of AI to increase autonomy and adaptability in grid management.

Agentic AI: Automating complex workflows for greater efficiency

Another exciting frontier in evolving grid operations is the use of agentic AI—intelligent agents designed to automate domain-specific business processes. From permitting and contingency planning to weather forecasting and knowledge transfer, these agents are helping utilities scale operations without compromising reliability. Cameron Riley of EPRI discussed how his organization is exploring agentic AI to streamline workflows and develop innovative approaches to grid reliability and resilience. By addressing long-standing challenges with predictive and real-time capabilities, AI is empowering utilities to adapt to increasingly dynamic energy ecosystems. As the sector continues to evolve, it is clear that AI will be a cornerstone of both operational excellence and strategic growth.

Advancing safety, trust, and innovation across grid operations

While the potential of AI in grid operations is undeniable, panelists acknowledged that several barriers still stand in the way of widespread adoption. Microsoft is actively partnering with customers to address these challenges head-on. One of the most significant hurdles is legacy infrastructure—many existing systems were not built with AI integration in mind. Additional concerns include workforce skill gaps, cybersecurity risks, and the inherently cautious pace of technology adoption in critical infrastructure sectors. Robin Lanier, commented that “Ultimately, we have a commitment to making investments to ensure our customers are provided with clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy.”

Because of these considerations, panelists emphasized the importance of rigorous validation and testing. Pretraining AI models on various contingencies, network configurations, and AC power flow dynamics helps ensure that systems remain robust and reliable even under diverse conditions. Moreover, breaking down organizational silos and fostering cross-sector collaboration is essential to solving the complex challenges facing today’s energy ecosystems. Throughout our discussion, safety, trust, and reliability emerged as foundational pillars for advancing AI adoption. Panelists agreed that utilities must first test AI capabilities in controlled environments to ensure scalability and security before deploying them in mission-critical applications. Microsoft is committed to supporting this journey by offering enterprise-grade infrastructure and governance frameworks that empower partners like ThinkLabs to implement AI solutions at scale—safely and effectively.

Collaboration and commitment to an AI-powered, clean energy future

The path forward is clear: sustained collaboration between utilities, technology providers, and research institutions is vital to powering AI systems—and enabling AI to power the grid in return. AI is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a paradigm shift with the potential to fundamentally transform the power and utilities sector.

By embracing these strategies, industry leaders can unlock new efficiencies while maintaining a steadfast commitment to safety, reliability, and sustainability. Microsoft remains deeply invested in aligning cutting-edge AI technologies with the fundamental need for clean, reliable electricity. Through this collaborative framework, utilities can confidently navigate toward a future where operational efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

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AI for Grid System Planning

Find out how real-time models and analytics can help grid operators make complex decisions faster as load shifts and grows.

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Transformation in power and utilities with the Microsoft Cloud and AI  http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2025/03/20/transformation-in-power-and-utilities-with-the-microsoft-cloud-and-ai/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000 For many energy companies, the AI transformation is already underway, and teams are eager to unlock new levels of creative potential and productivity.

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Driven by population and economic growth, global energy demand is expected to continue increasing in the coming years. With elevated awareness around fossil fuels and climate impact, investors are dedicating financial resources toward more sustainable methods of generating and consuming energy. For power and utility providers, that means a growing interest in renewable energy, which saw a 30% increase last year, compared to just 13% in the same period the year prior1.  

The proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs)—small-scale units of power generation and storage that operate locally and are connected to larger grids at the distribution level—is also leading power providers to rethink how they operate. DERs could dramatically reduce the need for centralized power generation, but they could also push traditional operational technology (OT) environments to their limits and create heightened need for security.  

A modern, flexible, and secure grid with unified information technology (IT) and OT will become increasingly important for grid operators as consumers add solar panels, electric vehicles, or battery storage and seek to connect to the grid. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Guidehouse shows that 61% of utilities executives believe that utility infrastructure investments should prioritize increased flexibility to improve energy system resilience2. AI has the potential to boost resilience by helping providers forecast and manage load demand, maintain power balance, enhance security, support predictive analytics and maintenance, and optimize workforce management and dispatch, among many other use cases. 

Power and utilities companies aren’t alone in recognizing the benefits of AI. A recent study on AI adoption shows that over the next three years, 92% of companies will increase their AI investments, particularly in generative AI; yet only 1% consider their AI deployment to be “mature,”3 indicating there’s still tremendous opportunity to drive continued AI transformation for improved business outcomes. Critically, employees are ready for this change. In fact, three times more employees are using generative AI for 30% or more of their work than their leaders imagine.4 It’s a sign that for many companies, the AI transformation is already underway, and teams are eager to unlock new levels of creative potential and productivity.  

An adaptive cloud approach helps streamline operations and provide critical power service 

Through comprehensive cloud, data, and AI offerings, Microsoft and its global partner ecosystem support power and utility providers as they digitally transform and drive sustainable business growth while meeting customer demand. The adaptive cloud approach seamlessly integrates IT and OT, bringing together on-premises control systems and edge intelligence with cloud-scale analytics. This lays the foundation for unlocking the power of their data, further allowing them to utilize AI to meet increasing energy demand and solve their most complex challenges.  

Take Uniper, for example. As the world’s largest power generation company, Uniper needed a solution to help standardize IT and OT so it could manage all applications in a uniform manner. An adaptive cloud strategy helped standardize IT and OT environments, launch new services faster, and optimize performance.  

Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) has another adaptive cloud success story. EGA’s on-premises environment couldn’t deliver the level of flexibility needed to manage data-intensive operations with scalable computing infrastructure. A hybrid approach allowed them to move part of their server base to the Microsoft Azure public cloud and another part to run hybrid at the edge with Azure Local. This helped optimize latency, support advanced AI and automation solutions, and offer sustaining commercial savings by applying intelligence at the edge.  

By embracing adaptive cloud, power and utilities providers can future-proof their operations and build the resilient energy systems of tomorrow—without compromising compliance, security, or operational continuity.   

Sharing success stories and insights at DISTRIBUTECH  

In an era where the imperative for clean, reliable, and accessible energy has never been greater, Microsoft relies on the knowledge and innovative potential of its partners and customers to help spearhead progress. The success stories mentioned above are made possible through the collective efforts of a complete partner and customer energy ecosystem. The company looks forward to connecting with this ecosystem at important energy industry events like the upcoming DISTRIBUTECH International 2025 conference, where it’ll share the latest in AI-powered insights at the annual energy transmission and distribution event. Held in Dallas, Texas from March 24 to 27, 2025, this year’s event promises engaging speaking sessions, exhibitions, and demos across trending topics like energy storage, transportation electrification, distributed energy resource management, and, of course, the latest on AI.  

Microsoft will join its energy partners and customers on stage and at the Microsoft booth as it highlights its work to accelerate the energy transition and address some of the biggest challenges across the power and utilities sector. It’ll speak to some of these challenges at its thought leadership sessions throughout the week, as well as highlight the opportunities to utilize cloud and AI capabilities to tackle them. These conversations couldn’t be timelier, as issues like cybersecurity and threat recovery impact power and utilities providers around the world every day. To that end, Microsoft Energy and Resources leaders will participate in keynote sessions on topics like cybersecurity in the power and utilities sector. They’ll dive into the evolving threat landscape, the intersection of regulation and innovation, and the key measures utilities can take to safeguard critical infrastructure. Microsoft will also take part in a keynote session on transforming power and utilities with AI, where the conversation will revolve around the ways in which AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing utility operations.  

Highlighting Microsoft’s partner ecosystem 

Microsoft will join several energy and technology partners at DISTRIBUTECH to further the discussion on global collaboration and partnership as critical aspects of the energy transition. It will serve as a guest speaker for Schneider Electric’s Knowledge Hub session on grid technologies, diving into the ways that AI and digital transformation are revolutionizing grid operations and management. The occasion marks another milestone in the deep Microsoft partnership with Schneider Electric as we collaborate with the company on the release of its new digital grid solution. Powered by Azure and AI, the new solution is designed to equip utilities with the digital tools to navigate modern energy challenges and support more resilient energy infrastructure. 

Microsoft is also working with longtime partner Itron to empower utility companies with data and intelligent analytics. Itron is integrating Microsoft Copilot technology into its Intelligent Edge Operating System (IEOS), a global data platform running on Azure, to help utilities to use natural language queries to more easily access essential data and insights to accelerate decision making, support innovation, and streamline repetitive tasks. By utilizing Microsoft AI solutions, Itron helps its customers transform complex data interactions into simple, intuitive processes, significantly boosting operational efficiency. 

In addition, Microsoft is collaborating with Siemens Energy’s Industrial Cyber and Digital Trust teams within Digital Solutions to enhance cybersecurity in the energy sector. By integrating Microsoft’s leading cybersecurity capabilities with Siemens Energy’s advanced solutions in the gas turbine business, we are strengthening resilience against evolving threats. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to securing critical infrastructure and driving digital trust across the industry. 

Microsoft also recently announced a collaboration with EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) through the Open Power AI Consortium to advance AI innovation in the electric sector. This partnership focuses on developing industry-specific AI and generative AI use cases, creating responsible deployment frameworks, and establishing an AI sandbox on Azure for testing and refinement. By fostering collaboration among utilities and key stakeholders, we aim to drive continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and real-world impact across critical infrastructure. 

Microsoft will co-host a breakfast roundtable with Accenture along with our other energy ecosystem partners AVEVA, IFS, Itron, and Schneider Electric to discuss the keys to unlocking return on investment (ROI) and overcoming barriers to scale AI and digital technologies. Together with utility customers, they will discuss data challenges, regulatory issues, and organizational barriers that utilities face in their data transformation journeys.

Microsoft hopes to see many of you at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 as they share energy success stories and learn how others are driving positive change for a new energy future.  

Explore more energy solutions and resources  


Sources:

1 2025 Power and Utilities Industry Outlook, Deloitte, December 2024. 

2 The Power Industry: Presently and Projected, Guidehouse, July 2024. 

3,4 Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI’s full potential, McKinsey & Company, January 2025. 

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Enlit Europe 2024: Rewiring the energy industry’s operational core with cloud and AI http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2024/10/17/enlit-europe-2024-rewiring-the-energy-industrys-operational-core-with-cloud-and-ai/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000 Whether it’s optimizing energy distribution and enhancing customer experiences or driving efficiency and increasing productivity across operations—the latest in AI and cloud capabilities can help redefine the future of energy.

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Europe’s energy network is facing unprecedented pressure. By 2030, the continent’s energy demand is expected to rise by nearly 20%, while grid flexibility needs will more than double, putting enormous pressure on aging infrastructure.1 As renewable energy integration increases, Europe’s grids will require seven times more flexibility by 2050 to cope with the variability of sources like wind and solar​.1 This complexity is compounded by rising cyberattacks, with over 200 incidents targeting the European energy sector in 2023 alone.2

To address these growing challenges, energy and resources leaders are increasingly turning to digital technology solutions. By leveraging AI-driven insights and cloud-based operational technology (OT) systems, energy operators can optimize grid management, strengthen cybersecurity, and respond faster to operational inefficiencies. 

In the area of predictive maintenance, AI can analyze historical equipment performance and environmental data to forecast potential equipment failures, helping utilities avoid costly downtime while enabling uninterrupted service. For example, JERA developed an AI-based predictive detection application that provides everyday remote monitoring of power plants, enabling early detection of equipment issues and reducing unplanned outages.

“By enabling a 24-hours-a-day remote monitoring service, we will be able to provide value by preventing potential problems and by improving power plant availability through quick identification of problem causes. DPP’s primary role is to contribute to the stable supply of energy and sustainable power plant operations through transformations that utilize digital technology and data.”

Hiroaki Kamei, Executive Officer of the Digital Power Plant Promotion Group, O&M Engineering Strategy Division

This scenario provides a glimpse into the many ways AI is quickly becoming one of the most impactful tools for energy organizations and workers. Across the utility workforce—from engineering and grid operations to customer service and finance—employees are also seeing increased productivity with generative AI technology as they use tools like Microsoft Copilot to streamline tasks such as drafting emails, summarizing meetings, conducting research, analyzing data, generating manuals, and preparing presentations. This enables them to focus more on high-value work that fuels industry-wide growth and collaboration, accelerating the energy transition. 

Beyond task productivity, generative AI is transforming how utilities manage operations at scale. For example, National Grid is leveraging Microsoft Copilot and Azure to assist with automation, document management, and report generation across regulatory, finance, and legal operations, helping the company drive efficiencies in its mission to achieve net-zero goals. According to Shannon Soland, Chief Technology Officer at National Grid, “Microsoft Copilot is really going to be a difference maker for National Grid,” allowing the company to innovate rapidly with AI-powered solutions.  

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Microsoft for energy and resources

Drive innovation to achieve net zero and deliver safe, reliable, equitable energy for a sustainable future

Enhancing cloud security with AI

AI is not just a tool for optimization—it’s becoming essential for energy security and operational resilience. As energy organizations modernize their systems and integrate new technologies to streamline workflows and improve operations, there’s a growing emphasis around overall security posture. That is why Microsoft is working closely with energy customers and partners to provide intelligent and scalable cybersecurity solutions that help set the stage for successful AI adoption and continued innovation—so they can focus on what matters most: meeting the world’s growing energy needs while ensuring a secure, sustainable, and affordable supply.

Solutions like Microsoft Copilot for Security are enabling energy organizations to identify threats faster, strengthen risk mitigation strategies, and respond to incidents more efficiently. For example, Uniper, a leader in the energy transition, has integrated Copilot for Security to manage the growing number of phishing attempts and hacker attacks they face as an operator of critical infrastructure.

“Copilot for Security immediately flags incidents, allowing us to identify risks up to twice as fast, assess them right away, and take the appropriate action.”

Damian Bunyan, Chief Information Officer of Uniper 

Routine security tasks, which used to take hours or days, are now handled in minutes through AI and automation, improving security response times and helping Uniper focus on their broader goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2040. 

We’ve embedded Copilot directly into the Microsoft Security stack, allowing energy customers to tap into built-in AI capabilities and industry-leading threat intelligence—regardless of the solutions they use. It’s all part of our effort to empower human defenders with AI tools and capabilities that provide an advantage against some of the energy industry’s greatest challenges.  

Microsoft partnerships help the energy industry embrace the future of work

Supercharging human ingenuity with advanced technology is just one way to drive a more sustainable, reliable, affordable, and secure energy supply. Another critical piece is global collaboration and partnership.

Microsoft’s collaboration with leading global systems integrators (GSIs) is driving significant innovation in the energy sector. Partners like Accenture, Avanade, EY, and PwC helping utilities globally leverage AI and Azure-powered technologies to modernize and enhance productivity. Accenture and Avanade, early adopters of Microsoft Copilot, are accelerating value by delivering intelligent, industry-specific solutions that empower workforce. Similarly, EY and PwC are working closely with Microsoft to provide cutting-edge tools that enable energy providers to streamline operations and strengthen their digital transformation strategies. 

Among Microsoft’s key collaborators is IFS, which plays a crucial role in transforming asset management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) for energy companies. Exelon, the largest energy delivery company in North America, is leveraging IFS technology to improve operational visibility and streamline the management of its extensive asset base across six utility businesses. According to Rob Biagiotti, Vice President of Assets and Core System Projects at Exelon, the company chose IFS for its cloud-based, agile platform that could meet the evolving needs of their business. By enabling Exelon to efficiently manage the full lifecycle of assets and integrate with their existing technology, IFS is helping them achieve their strategic goals of delivering reliable, affordable energy to over 10 million customers.  

GE Vernova has developed a solution underpinned with advanced AI models to improve wildfire risk mitigation, with their solution available on Azure to provide sophisticated analysis and better decision-making for environmental planning and response. Meanwhile, Schneider Electric’s DERMS EcoStruxure platform, deployed on Azure, is advancing distributed energy resource management, increasing grid flexibility and efficiency. This platform has been successfully implemented at Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), where it’s driving significant value by optimizing distributed energy resources and improving grid management across their network.

These are just a few of the many partners Microsoft collaborates with across the energy sector. The scale and complexity of today’s energy challenges make partnership essential; no single organization can drive this transformation alone. By working together, we can accelerate innovation and ensure a secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future. 

Sharing industry insights at Enlit Europe 2024 

We are excited to discuss the transformational power of technology and share new AI innovations with our partners as the AI sponsor of Enlit Europe 2024 at Fiera Milano di Rho in Milan, Italy. This opportunity enables us to deepen our existing partnerships and forge new ones with energy organizations from around the world. The event will run from October 22 to 24, 2024 and will be attended by 15,000 guests, including over 700 international exhibitors and 500 speakers from energy industry leaders.  

The Microsoft Energy and Resources Industry team will attend Enlit Europe 2024 to exchange insights on new technologies, discuss solutions to industry challenges, and highlight key achievements with our industry partners. On day two of the conference, we will feature Microsoft Copilot demos at the Digitalization Hub, offering a firsthand look at how AI can transform the way you work. In addition to demonstrating the benefits of Copilot, our team will be featured on several panel discussions and presentations on critical topics for the global power and utilities community.

Continuing to innovate across the energy sector with transformative technologies 

As technology advancements open doors for energy solutions, we’re eager to continue partnering with industry leaders to challenge the status quo with innovative approaches to some of the world’s toughest energy dilemmas. For many organizations, this begins by shifting internal conversations and establishing a data-driven culture that empowers people to solve problems using data. That’s why we work with leaders across the industry to build digital transformation strategies and modernize data management approaches so they can get the most value from their data through advanced AI and automation capabilities.

Explore this ever-evolving world with us at Enlit Europe 2024 and engage with the leading minds at the forefront of industrial change. Don’t miss out on the critical discourses, thought-provoking panels, and our Microsoft Copilot Hub demo station, where you can learn more about making the most of this everyday AI assistant in your organization. Join the Microsoft Energy and Resources Industry team as we bring new solutions to light and exchange ideas with energy pioneers from the world over. We hope to see you in Milan.  

Learn more about Microsoft for energy and resources 


1 European Commission, Future EU power systems: renewables’ integration to require up to 7 times larger flexibility, June 26, 2023.

2 Enisa, Cyber Europe tests the EU Cyber Prepardness in the Energy Sector, June 20, 2024.

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How energy firms power the world with secure Microsoft technologies http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2024/08/29/how-energy-firms-power-the-world-with-secure-microsoft-technologies/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000 With AI advancements analyzing trillions of security signals daily, together we can build a safer, more resilient digital energy ecosystem.

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In 2023, the Microsoft Digital Defense Report revealed that critical infrastructure remained a persistent target for cyberthreats, increasing again from the previous year.1 The interconnectivity of the power industry with global commerce makes its infrastructure both essential and vulnerable. Without it, we can no longer power hospitals, heat and cool homes, open schools, or produce food. Power supply is the lifeblood of the global economy, and our resilience depends on it. 

Field engineers using a laptop on truck tailgate to review data after inspection of turbines on a wind farm.

Microsoft for energy and resources

Achieve more with trusted solutions

A growing need to transform security

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) at power companies know this reality well. They’re tasked with managing a complicated portfolio while protecting against cyber risks from both insiders and nation-state actors. Left unresolved, these challenges create a ripple effect across the enterprise and lead to issues like:   

  • Increasingly complex environments: Widespread digital adoption combined with evolving customer preferences, decentralized energy generation, and a changing workforce are driving utility providers to rethink their services and business models to help increase flexibility and maintain a resilient grid. In a recent survey conducted by Guidehouse and Public Utilities Fortnightly, 61% of respondents agreed that increasing flexibility to improve energy system resilience is the highest priority outcome for utility investments today.2
  • Tool fatigue: Many power companies work with hundreds of disparate management tools that are costly to manage and limited in cross-visibility. These tools must be integrated and maintained by teams with the right skillsets. As tools are added or replaced and personnel come and go, companies face the inevitable costs of re-skilling and new integrations.
  • Technical debt: While many utilities are designing new solutions in support of energy transition and the grid of the future, they still rely heavily on legacy infrastructures that carry significant tech debt. These legacy systems increase cybersecurity and operational risks as well as operational expenses through extended support costs, timelines, and integration complexities. Research shows companies pay an additional 10 to 20% to address tech debt on top of project base costs.3  

Modernizing infrastructure is costly and not easily adaptable as the risk landscape evolves. In fact, 59% of cybersecurity teams identify integration of legacy operational technology (OT) and modern information technology (IT) systems as their biggest challenge to securing OT.4 If you’re a CISO, how do you solve the challenge of securing both IT and OT against modern and fast-changing threats? 

The answer is to work with technology partners who not only understand threat actors around the world, but who also recognize the business risks and operational concerns across the industry. 

Increasing security and efficiency without sacrificing value 

With a unified security stack running on the Microsoft Cloud, utilities can significantly reduce the number of tools they manage every day for lower costs, time-savings, and better insight into IT and OT environments.  

For example, Turkish energy provider Enerjisa Üretim partnered with Senkron.Energy Digital Services to build Senkron ROC, a remote operations center that represents a critical piece of becoming cloud-native. Knowing that a single cyberthreat could shut down operations, Enerjisa Üretim also established its Operational Technology-Specific Security Operation Center (OT SOC), which relies on Microsoft Defender for IoT and Microsoft Sentinel to operate around the clock and process 3.3 million security events daily.   

The IBM Maximo Application Suite on Azure for asset operations and maintenance is another example. High performance and ultra-low latency combined with the multi-layered security capabilities of the Microsoft Azure stack provide a foundation for secure analytics that boost operational resiliency and reliability. With those advanced security features, utility providers can scale their operations to handle varying workloads without compromising operational security.  

Security solutions to meet your needs 

With Microsoft Security services, customers can leverage the latest technologies and deep industry understanding to enhance their security posture today. Microsoft Defender for IoT offers a complete inventory and continuous monitoring of connected assets across vendors and protocols; Microsoft Purview can secure and govern data across your entire estate while helping to reduce risk and meet compliance requirements; and Microsoft Sentinel provides enterprise-grade intelligent security analytics that help detect previously undetected threats and minimize false positives.  

Microsoft security solutions can also offer improvements across key use cases, including: 

  • Augmentation of security operations centers (SOCs): Microsoft security solutions empower SOCs with cloud-native capabilities that enable faster detection and response times—even automating entire responses to security events. Machine learning, AI, and advanced analytics perform the heavy lifting so SOC workers can clarify what’s happening in the SOC environment and focus on the highest-priority events. Our unified security platform eases tool fatigue in SOCs with solutions that work together seamlessly for optimal visibility and efficiency. Solutions such as Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR and Microsoft Incident Response allow for expanded capabilities to support the SOC analysts in their mission.
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery: Microsoft security solutions provide automated backup processes that are both scalable and cost-effective, and they can be integrated with on-premise data protection solutions. Our solutions include features like encryption and multi-factor authentication, which protect data during the backup and recovery process and help keep sensitive information secure. This holistic approach helps utility organizations quickly recover from data loss incidents, minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity. 

Supporting the energy customer and partner ecosystem for a secure future 

To support continued innovation in data security and cloud adoption, we collaborated with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office on an initiative for seamless integration of cloud technology into the grid of the future. Now in its pilot phase, the Cirrus cloud feasibility assessment tool (Cirrus) offers strategic guidance on how to prepare for, or deploy, a cloud solution responsibly, with the ultimate objective to strengthen the resilience and future adaptability of a decarbonized electric grid.  

Built on the security and reliability of Azure, the online version of Cirrus is also accessible through independent platforms with a license. The tool provides valuable insights to integrators, stakeholders, and operators by clarifying goals, future plans, and risk tolerance.  

With visual outputs like key performance indicator (KPI) graphs and consequence diagrams, Cirrus offers contextualized understanding, helping users prioritize critical systems and data based on potential benefits and risks associated with cloud disruptions. Additionally, Cirrus incorporates threat detection and alerts, leveraging Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to empower organizations to make risk-informed decisions and address high-consequence events. 

Opportunities on the horizon with AI 

It’s an exciting time for the industry as AI creates tremendous potential for energy companies to increase their security posture.  

Imagine equipping workers with Microsoft Copilot for Security to help them identify threats earlier, build their risk mitigation skills, and respond to incidents faster. What took hours or days to complete can now be finished in minutes with AI. The efficiency is about more than labor costs. Every minute that goes by gives attackers more opportunity to wreak havoc across the board.  

With AI advancements analyzing trillions of security signals daily, together we can build a safer, more resilient digital energy ecosystem.  

Learn more with Microsoft for energy and resources 

Ready to dive deeper? Don’t miss our webinar, Rethinking cybersecurity in a renewable-powered energy system on October 10, 2024, where we will be sharing how leading energy companies are using the power of technology to safeguard their businesses. Read more about the webinar and sign up to attend.  


1 Microsoft Digital Defense Report, October 2023.

2 The Power Industry: Presently and Projected, Guidehouse, July 2024.

3 Breaking technical debt’s vicious cycle to modernize your business, McKinsey & Company, April 2023.

4 How is cyber innovation disrupting the energy sector and critical infrastructure?, World Economic Forum, October 2023.

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From pledge to action: Enabling the multidimensional energy transition with data and AI http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2024/04/30/from-pledge-to-action-enabling-the-multidimensional-energy-transition-with-data-and-ai/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000 At Microsoft, our mission to empower every individual and organization on the planet is complemented by our sustainability commitments, aiming for carbon-free energy by 2030 and neutralizing all historical emissions produced since our company’s inception in 1975.

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There is no denying the need to accelerate the shift to cleaner energy, whether through cleaner hydrocarbons or renewables. Yet, the last few years have revealed that a global energy transition is more complex and less linear than we anticipated. While urgency builds for decarbonization, so does the demand for energy. Moreover, our economic growth and quality of life depend on the availability of affordable, cost-effective energy resources. Energy security is especially vital for the developing world, home to 80% of the global population.¹

To ensure that no one is left behind amidst rapid change, resolving the energy trilemma is a top priority for the industry with a focus on decarbonization, security, and reliable access to affordable energy.

Microsoft is dedicated to helping drive these changes. Our mission to empower every individual and organization on the planet is reflected in our sustainability commitments: To be carbon negative by 2030, and by 2050 to remove from the environment all the carbon the company has emitted since it was founded in 1975.

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Microsoft for Energy and Resources

Achieve more in the energy and resources industry with trusted solutions from Microsoft.

We recognize that the future energy mix will be based on cleaner hydrocarbons and renewables, and we are working hard to make that vision a reality. The world needs to invest in more low-carbon energy and infrastructure to meet growing demand and offset the decline of oil production, which falls by 3% to 4% annually.² From technology innovations like generative AI to global collaboration across the energy industry, we are working hard to help drive global change and make that vision a reality.

I’d like to highlight some of those efforts, which include joining other changemakers at CERAWeek 2024 and partnering on a broad range of exciting initiatives.

Driving global change

To increase energy resilience based on cleaner hydrocarbon and renewables, we need innovations and collaboration across the globe. Last month at CERAWeek 2024 in Houston, Texas, CEOs, policymakers, financial communities, and technology leaders gathered to offer insights into the roadmap of this multidimensional energy transition.

We shared insights with industry partners and other global energy stakeholders on complex challenges and multidimensional strategies for energy transition. Microsoft leaders across energy, sustainability, cloud and AI, and security addressed a wide range of topics including the transformative impact of AI and other technologies.

CERAWeek 2024 takeaways

You can read more about the event and Microsoft speakers in last month’s energy blog on enabling energy transformation with AI. Key takeaways included the role of AI in creating a sustainable future, the multifaceted approach required to decarbonize electricity grids, carbon capture, methane mitigation, green hydrogen, and other strategies for addressing climate change. Strategies include nuclear licensing and the AI-methane framework developed with Accenture that brings point solutions together through a strong, affordable digital platform and an ecosystem of partners for end-to-end methane management.

You can read more about how Duke Energy teamed with Accenture and Microsoft to innovate a pioneering solution to meet goals for curbing methane emissions and potentially advance industry and regulatory standards.

Other distinguished speakers at CERAWeek 2024 included Accenture’s Chair and CEO Julie Sweet and Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. Julie Sweet spoke about challenges and approaches for achieving decarbonization, the need to speed adoption of generative AI in the energy sector, and to dream big to advance the energy transition. She noted human innovation and participation are as important as the technology and data platform driving AI transformation.

Bill Gates discussed emerging clean technologies for investment and deployment, including nuclear and fusion energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). He also urged utilities to prepare for rising AI adoption, which he anticipates will increase power consumption, impacting chip makers and electricity cost. This was just one of many discussions at CERAWeek on the need to address AI energy use.

Supporting sustainable AI

During the past year, the pace of AI adoption has accelerated significantly, ushering in groundbreaking advances, discoveries, and solutions with the potential to help address humanity’s biggest problems. Alongside the incredible promise and benefits of AI, we recognize the resource intensity of these applications and the need to address the environmental impact from every angle.

In line with our commitment to responsible AI and our ambitious sustainability commitments, we’re determined to tackle this challenge so the world can harness the full benefits of AI. There are three areas where we’re deeply invested and increasing our focus. The first is optimizing datacenter energy and water efficiency. The second is advancing low-carbon materials, creating global markets to help advance sustainability across industries. And the third is improving the energy efficiency of AI and cloud services, empowering our customers and partners with tools for collective progress.

With AI we are enabling more efficient energy transmission and integration of renewable power. LineVision, an AI-enabled transmission line monitoring solution for expanding the capacity of existing overhead powerlines, is one of many Microsoft partners helping to accelerate the deployment of clean technology and a company which the Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund has invested in. After successfully deploying LineVision Dynamic Line Rating in the United States, global energy company National Grid implemented the technology in Great Britain. The technology has the potential to unlock enough additional capacity to power more than 500,000 homes and save an estimated GBP£1.4 million (US$1.7 million) annually.

Powerful partnerships for transformative solutions

Microsoft and its partners underscore the value of collaborating to accelerate the energy transition in a fair and orderly manner while addressing climate challenges. It is no longer about point solutions, but an end-to-end energy value chain driven by digital and AI which will help us move forward in a rapidly changing world. Recently, EDP Renewables and Volt Energy announced their collaboration with Microsoft to help under-resourced communities build climate resistance.³ Another clean energy initiative announced during CERAWeek between Microsoft, Google, and Nucor Corporation intends to accelerate development of nuclear, next-generation geothermal, clean hydrogen, and long-duration energy storage.⁴

Northern Lights, a partnership between the Norwegian government, Microsoft, and energy firms Equinor, Shell, and Total aims to standardize and scale CCS across Europe. A new CSS plant is expected to process up to 1.5 million tons of liquid CO2 annually and more than 100 million tons over time.

In the United States, Conservation Science Partners, bp, and Microsoft have partnered to create a digital platform for environmental and biodiversity monitoring in Washington state. Called the Cherry Point Refinery, the solution shows how technology can advance our understanding of ecosystems and enable sustainable practices. Other projects include accelerating permitting processes, reducing risk and capital for implementation of carbon capture projects, helping enable the sequestration process for permanent storage with companies like SLB, and supporting environmental credit services.

The future of clean energy and sustainability

I also want to recognize some amazing, underrepresented climate tech founders and CEOs featured at the Microsoft Agora House at CERAWeek who are driving the future of clean energy and sustainability. If it takes a village to raise a child, it will take companies of all sizes and backgrounds to address the growing need for energy and decarbonization by simultaneously meeting goals for energy security, accessibility, affordability, and climate change: Adrienne Pierce (New Sun Road, P.B.C.),  Celine King (GreenIRR Inc.), Chidalu Onyenso (Earthbond), Christie Obiaya (Heliogen), Donnel Baird (BlocPower), Jhana Porter (Frakktal), Liz O’Connell (Arolytics), Nicholas Flanders (Twelve) and Steph Speirs (Solstice).

As part of our commitment to supporting the development of cutting-edge technologies to advance the energy transition, Microsoft is also proud to partner with Greentown Labs and Browning the Green Space’s ACCEL program to fund and mentor the next generation of underrepresented founders. Innovation is the key to solving the global climate challenge, and that innovation must be inclusive and equitable. Energy resilience depends on us all to come together to deliver reliable, accessible, and affordable access to a mix of cleaner hydrocarbons and renewable energy. Our complementary goals for achieving carbon-free energy by 2030 and empowering people and businesses to achieve more goes beyond technology.  

The complex sustainability challenges the world faces today require multi-sector, multidisciplinary collaboration.

We’re not only providing productivity applications, cloud capabilities, cybersecurity, and innovative technologies like AI for end-to-end digital platforms, we’re also honored to be partners and collaborators for accelerating a more secure, equitable and sustainable future.

Learn more about Energy and Resources solutions with Microsoft


¹ The return of energy security | S&P Global

² World Energy Outlook 2023 Executive Summary, IEA

³ EDP Renewables North America and Volt Energy Utility Announce Solar Project with Microsoft Focused on Environmental Justice

Google, Microsoft, and Nucor announce a new initiative to aggregate demand to scale the adoption of advanced clean electricity technologies

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Microsoft at DISTRIBUTECH 2024: AI transformation in the power and utilities industry http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/power-and-utilities/2024/02/21/microsoft-at-distributech-2024-ai-transformation-in-the-power-and-utilities-industry/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000 The Microsoft for Energy and Resources industry team looks forward to sharing new, AI-driven digital solutions at DISTRIBUTECH International 2024 in Orlando, Florida, on February 27 to 29, 2024, the leading annual energy transmission and distribution event for North America.

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In an era where the imperative for clean, reliable, and accessible energy has never been greater, the industry is witnessing a significant shift. The transition to sustainable energy sources, while ensuring grid resilience and optimizing energy distribution, requires a leap in innovation and collaboration. Microsoft, along with our partners, is spearheading this shift, employing AI to not only enhance operational efficiencies but also to empower companies to meet the dual challenges of decarbonization and increased energy demand head-on.

Through comprehensive, integrated offerings such as cloud analytics, intelligent edge computing, and AI, Microsoft and its global partner ecosystem enable energy companies to digitally transform, decarbonize, and drive sustainable growth. And now, generative AI is playing an important role in accelerating the multifaceted energy transition.

Microsoft for Energy and Resources

Transform the energy and resources industry and achieve net zero

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Microsoft technologies for a secure and sustainable energy transition

As the world advances toward a net-zero future, Microsoft technologies play an increasingly pivotal role in the transition to cleaner energy. AI can be used to drive transformative outcomes across the energy sector, from streamlining solar and wind operations, to refining gas and oil production, and modernizing power grids for enhanced efficiency and reliability.

The energy industry is moving toward an open, cloud-based platform. With the Microsoft Cloud solutions including Azure OpenAI Service, energy companies can manage their connected devices, diverse generation and transmission operations, and distributed energy resources more efficiently, securely, and sustainably. Utilizing Azure OpenAI Service, organizations like Schneider Electric are actively assessing and integrating Copilot features into their solutions, transforming user-experiences and delivering new business outcomes that were not possible before.

Microsoft Azure IoT is another important building block for digital transformation, helping organizations optimize energy distribution while lowering operational costs by improving grid performance, efficiently managing distributed energy resources, and implementing proactive and predictive maintenance capabilities. Azure IoT for energy brings the intelligent edge and the intelligent cloud together to deliver energy data in an interoperable format, delivering insights enriched by advanced analytics, AI, and new models of interactivity enabled by mixed reality.

Cybersecurity stands as a top concern within the power and utilities sector, given its pivotal role in operating and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Microsoft Defender for IoT helps mitigate the growing threat landscape for power and utilities companies. As an organization’s operational footprint continues to transform and grow, so does its attack surface, which can include generation facilities, transmission and distribution networks, and connected customer devices like solar equipment, batteries, and electric vehicles. Defender for IoT can eliminate security blind spots and provide holistic protection across operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) infrastructure.

Last week we announced new data and AI solutions in Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability that provide capabilities organizations need to progress in their sustainability journey. These include faster environmental, social and governance (ESG) data analytics and insights, an AI assistant to help accelerate impactful decision-making and reporting, and other advanced capabilities—all designed to help organizations move the needle faster.

Partnerships driving energy industry transformation

Microsoft partners and customers worldwide are transforming the energy sector with innovation, collaboration, and technology and we are proud to join these industry leaders at DISTRIBUTECH International 2024. Featured Microsoft partners include: Accenture, Amperon, AspenTech, AVEVA, Capgemini, Cognizant, Context Labs, EY, Hexagon, InnovationForce, IFS, Itron, PXiSE, Schneider Electric, T-Mobile, and Velrada.

Workforce enablement is a key target for transformation. Microsoft and Schneider Electric are collaborating to leverage copilots and generative AI to transform outage management and control center operations.1 This initiative is enhancing the capabilities of operators, focusing on real-time decision-making and outage risk reduction. Learn more about how Microsoft is powering the energy transition with AI and collaborative partnerships.

Schneider Electric and Microsoft have a long history of successful partnership in the energy sector. For example, last year, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Schneider Electric, and Microsoft announced the deployment of a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) to maintain grid reliability and accelerate customer adoption of distributed energy resources.2 EcoStruxure DERMS from Schneider Electric is a cloud-based, grid-aware software platform that runs on Microsoft Azure, and integrates, analyzes, and optimizes data from distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, electric vehicles, battery energy storage, and microgrids. The solution has enhanced flexibility and resilience, enabling PG&E to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy to their customers.

We are also excited to team with Context Labs BV, a leader in climate analytics, to deploy their solutions on Microsoft Azure, with enhanced security AI tooling. This collaboration brings Context Labs’ Immutably™ Enterprise Data Fabric, Decarbonization-as-a-Service™, and CLEAR Path™ solutions to the Azure Marketplace, enabling customers to create more accurate emissions profiles and create, certify, and store transactable Environmental Attributes Certificates and Credits. 

Microsoft and T-Mobile are transforming the energy industry with the T-Mobile for Business 5G Advanced Network Solutions powered by Azure private multi-access edge compute (MEC), a cloud-managed edge infrastructure and services combined with edge networking. This partnership provides enhanced connectivity options and facilitates on-site data processing and collaboration. T-Mobile for Business offers solutions for 5G connectivity across public, hybrid, and private deployments for energy customers, with its leading nationwide 5G coverage and a portfolio of security and management services.

Azure MEC expands the possibilities from a single platform to a solution that leverages multiple platforms and capabilities. These include Azure-supported edge services and applications, network functions, compute options, radios and devices, and AI. By processing data closer to the end device, latency-and throughput-sensitive user scenarios such as video analytics, real-time robotics, and mixed Internet of Things (IoT) use cases can be improved at a global scale. Customers and partners can benefit from a complete set of Azure services and ecosystem technology components to rapidly build, deploy, and manage solutions with simplicity.

Together, Microsoft and T-Mobile for Business are building an end-to-end ecosystem of solutions for energy customers like AI video analytics and mobile robotics, and specific use cases that include IoT devices, rugged tablet and mobile devices, and augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR) applications. This partnership showcases the combined strength of both companies in driving innovation in the energy sector.

Microsoft at DISTRIBUTECH: Powering business, operations, and communications with AI

The Microsoft Energy and Resources industry team looks forward to sharing new, AI-driven digital solutions at DISTRIBUTECH International 2024 in Orlando, Florida, on February 27 to 29, 2024, the leading annual energy transmission and distribution event for North America. This year’s conference highlights electricity delivery automation, energy efficiency, distributed energy resource management, resiliency, reliability, and more.

Meet our team, customers, and partners on stage and at the Microsoft booth, focused on powering a sustainable future in the era of AI. We’ll share our perspectives across multiple sessions including an afternoon keynote with Steve Clayton, Vice President, Microsoft Communications Strategy on February 27. Steve will share how his team uses the power of generative AI to reshape all aspects of Microsoft’s communication discipline—from public relations and measurement to social media communications and much more. He will be joined by Ron Utterbeck, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Eversource for a fireside chat about the AI journey at his company including insights, culture, and vision for the future.

Other thought leadership sessions featuring the Microsoft team include:

  • Eric Denton, Senior Director Energy Industry for Business Systems, Microsoft, will address the integration of environmental, social, and governance issues with a talk on AI and other technologies that are impacting utilities.
  • Liang Downey, Power and Utilities Industry Advisor, Microsoft, Abdul Rahman Mohammed, Director of Data Analytics and Decision Services, MISO, and Steve Adams, Senior Information Technology Manager Digital Strategy, Constellation, will illuminate the path to data-driven leadership in utilities. The panel will explore how industry leaders are transforming the power and utilities landscape through data and the integration of data culture and operational insights that enhance decision-making, productivity, and operational efficiency.
  • Balamurugan Balakreshnan, Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft, Teague Maxfield, Senior Manager, Solutions Delivery Architecture, Constellation Clearsight, and Rebekah Eggers, Global Director, Client Engagement and Innovation, IBM, will examine use cases, lessons learned, and other insights on the role of AI and machine learning that support transmission and distribution (T&D) asset inspections. Topics will include the potential impact on operational efficiencies, the opportunity to generate additional insights, and how Microsoft and the Azure Machine Learning platform are supporting Clearsight’s AI and machine learning endeavors.
  • Pat Lo, Power and Utilities Industry Advisor, Microsoft with Erik Johnson, Vice President, Digital Workplace Services, National Grid, and Quinn Nakayama, Senior Director, GRID Innovation Research and Development, PG&E, will discuss accelerating time-to-business value with AI and successful implementations of AI solutions using Microsoft Azure and Azure OpenAI Service. Panelists will share their experiences leveraging AI—including generative AI—to solve business challenges and best practices of adopting AI, such as data quality, governance, and talent.
  • Laurent Boinot, Power and Utilities Industry Advisor, Microsoft, Keri Glitch, Vice President, Information Technology, Fortis, and Alla Gogerman, Digital Productivity Center of Excellence Information Technology Leader, PG&E, explore enabling a clean energy future with data in the era of AI. Hear from industry leaders on the critical interplay between digital innovation, cultural transformation, and information technology (IT) security, and how digital technology is helping to build a more modern, adaptable, and efficient grid infrastructure that integrates renewable energy sources using low-code and no-code capabilities alongside strategic shifts in organizational culture.

I am thrilled to join customers and partners on three sessions to dive deeper into AI and cybersecurity in the power and utilities sector:

  • With Rober Biagotti, Vice President, Exelon, Carol Johnston, Vice President Energy and Jon Morensen, Global Enterprise Asset Management Chief Technology Officer of IFS, and Robel Lulseged, Director, Engineering and Asset Management Support, Oncor, we will highlight how Exelon is enhancing asset performance and workforce agility with AI and predictive state analytics through insights into improving asset longevity, employee productivity, skill-based task matching, and optimized scheduling.
  • Empowering Operators: The Rise of AI Copilots in Control Centers with Angus McPherson, Segment Solution Team Leader, Power and Grid, of Schneider Electric, and Fahimeh Kazempour, Head of Grid Modernization, Wood Mackenzie will explore how leading AI technologies are transforming the power and utilities operations landscape including outage management and control center operations, focusing on real-time decision-making and outage risk reduction.
  • Utilities, Beef Up Your Security convenes leaders from Exelon, BloombergNEF, the United States Department of Energy, and Dragos, to address how to increase utility resilience and cybersecurity by delving into key cyber threats, technologies that can help utilities mitigate those threats, and how utility strategies need to change to boost cyber resilience.

Join us in Orlando

Today’s energy challenges require smart solutions that deliver better business outcomes and accelerate progress. As we work together for a cleaner, more sustainable world, we’ll continue to leverage digital innovation and our strong partnerships to advance our net-zero goals.

Microsoft, with our customers and partners, is committed to advancing AI to accelerate the energy transition, grid modernization, and decarbonization by delivering the technology, platforms, and solutions that enable digital transformation. We hope you visit us at DISTRIBUTECH International 2024 at Booth 1451 to meet our Microsoft Energy and Resources team, partners, and customers, and share your thoughts on creating a sustainable energy future together. Register here for a special complimentary Exhibition Pass courtesy of Microsoft. See you in Orlando!

Learn more about Energy and Resources solutions with Microsoft


1Schneider Electric drives Generative AI productivity and sustainability solutions by integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI, PR Newswire.

2PG&E taps Schneider, Microsoft for new DERMS, Power Grid International.

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Enlit Europe 2023: Partner with Microsoft to accelerate carbon free energy http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2023/11/08/enlit-europe-2023-partner-with-microsoft-to-accelerate-carbon-free-energy/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000 The Microsoft Energy and Resources team is excited to be participating in Enlit Europe 2023 alongside our customers and partners who are supporting the acceleration of the energy transition, grid modernization, and decarbonization while delivering the technology and platforms that enable digital transformation.

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Navigating the challenge of meeting the growing global demand for energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires significant investment of financial resources, new innovations, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to energy efficiency.

The energy sector, currently the leading source of global greenhouse gas emissions, is at a pivotal juncture. Furthermore, 20 percent of all global emissions emanate from the transportation sector (passenger and freight), a figure that has doubled since 1970.1 80 percent of the increase comes from road vehicles—both personal transport and freight. This stark reality underscores an undeniable imperative: the need for swift and decisive action in adopting sustainable energy practices which has never been more pressing.2 Electric vehicles (EVs) are an obvious choice, but widescale adoption requires the integration of more renewable energy sources and a modern grid that can support them.

Revamping power grids is just one hurdle. To meet increasing demand and reduce the cost of carbon free energy, we also need affordable, secure, and sustainable ways to commercialize, scale, and integrate new energy solutions. Yet, there still continues to be a considerable backlog of solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and nuclear projects stuck in regulatory bottlenecks awaiting interconnection and seeking transmission access. Moreover, as we introduce modern grid solutions and market innovations, the need to manage security risks also rises. Industries across the globe are tackling an increase in cyberattacks, with critical infrastructure services like gas, water, and power and utilities being particularly vulnerable. Proactive security measures, including zero trust architecture, are imperative to safeguard these vital systems against both present and emerging risks.

Microsoft for Energy and Resources

Transform the energy and resources industry with technology innovation for a sustainable future

Field workers with tablets walking near solar panels and wind turbines

Accelerating deployment of clean energy with partnerships and AI

Powering the energy transition with AI and collaborative partnerships

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Harnessing the power of data and collaboration is critical to conquering the triad of sustainability, affordability, and security in energy. At Microsoft, we’re channeling our capabilities to expedite and heighten partnerships to accelerate the deployment of carbon free energy and supporting technologies. Collaborative partnerships and AI are supercharging that mission, with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Copilot helping to address challenges ranging from empowering the utility workforce to streamlining budgets and optimizing operational efficiency. In this collective journey, teams from within Microsoft are working in lockstep with customers and partners on AI-driven applications across a spectrum of needs—from predictive analytics, proactive maintenance, forecasting, grid analytics, scenario modeling and simulation, customer service, supply chain, field operations, health and safety, and so much more. 

Shinning a light on innovation at Enlit Europe 2023

We are thrilled to deepen our ongoing partnerships and energize new ones as a key sponsor of Enlit Europe 2023 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, from November 28 to 30, 2023. With Europe at the cutting edge of energy innovation and progressive energy policy, Enlit is the convergence point for over 15,000 energy professionals, 700 exhibitors, and 500 speakers. Together, we’ll dive into dialogue focused on reimagining how we generate, transmit, distribute, and consume energy.

The Microsoft Energy and Resources team will join industry leaders to exchange insights on emergent challenges, breakthrough innovations, and the progress of European Union-funded projects shaping our sector. Our team is scheduled to participate in a series of speaking engagements, including collaborative sessions with Schneider Electric, reflecting our shared commitment to forging the future of energy together.

Microsoft Energy and Resources sessions at Enlit Europe 2023

Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure

We’ll discuss how modern cybersecurity leaders can leverage AI to help protect against business risks and how digital solutions are helping power and utilities leaders tackle the things that keep them awake at night. Speakers include:

  • Hanna Grene, Global Go-to-Market and Operations, Energy and Resources Industry, Microsoft
  • Indrek Künnapuu, Chief Information Security Officer, Elektrilevi
  • Elad Shaviv, Head of the Business Development Division, Israel Electric Corporation
  • Ray Pinto, Senior Director for Digital Transformation Policy, Digital Europe
  • Marie Duval-Soyez, Head of the Digital Risk Management Department, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Enedis

AI in the energy sector in Europe: Opportunities, challenges, and recommendations

The panel will share insights on how to harness the potential of AI for the energy sector in Europe, while ensuring that its outcomes are reliable, sustainable, and human-centric. The discussion will also highlight Europe’s approach, vision, and leadership in AI across the energy sector. Speakers include:

  • Bilal Khursheed, Worldwide Power and Utilities Leader, Microsoft
  • Kristian Ruby, Secretary General, Eurelectric
  • Rachel Berryman, Deputy Head of AI Center of Excellence, Elia Group
  • Andrei Covatariu, Co-chair of the Digitalization in Energy Task Force, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Grid of the future leaders session

We’re also excited to share the stage with Schneider Electric, a pivotal ally in navigating the energy transition. We announced our partnership with PG&E and Schneider Electric in July 2023, marking a milestone in harnessing cloud technology for energy management. This initiative has swiftly moved from announcement to action, deploying a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) on Microsoft Azure. This advanced solution empowers PG&E to seamlessly integrate and optimize distributed energy resources (DERs), bolstering the grid resilience during power disruptions and paving the way for the grid’s preparedness for EV charging demands. The innovation lies not only in the technology itself but also in the transformative approach to collaboration, setting a new benchmark for partnership across the energy sector. Speakers include:

  • Hanna Grene, Global Go-to-Market and Operations, Energy and Resources, Microsoft
  • Alexis Grenon, Senior Vice President, Schneider Electric

Establishing a cloud-first strategy

The strategic deployment of cloud infrastructure is a cornerstone of digital transformation, offering a blueprint for future-proofed business models. In this session, we will address the essential facets of cloud enablement, demonstrating how a cloud-first approach is pivotal for accelerating digital transformation. Discover the advantages of embracing the cloud and foster nimble utility business operations that enable scalability, innovation, and cost-efficiency.

  • Featuring Bilal Khursheed, Worldwide Power and Utilities Leader, Microsoft

AI and machine learning, robotics, and space data

Take a deep dive into automation, virtual reality, and AI increasing accuracy and efficiency in a digital energy world. Join us for an exciting session and discover how AI, machine learning, robotics, and space data are transforming the energy industry and shaping the future of our planet and beyond.

  • Featuring Per Christian Honningsvaag, Europe, the Middle East and Africa Business Leader, Energy and Resources Industry, Microsoft

Working together on the journey to decarbonization

As an industry, we stand at a pivotal inflection point where digital innovation is reshaping the power and utilities sector. The collective effort to embrace digital transformation, pursue decarbonization, and foster innovation is not just thrilling—it’s imperative for overcoming the sectors most intricate challenges. Whether you’re a utility leader challenged with rearchitecting your grid, a security officer integrating cybersecurity strategies in an era of generative AI, or a consumer considering your first EV, one theme is clear: We are all on the same team, working together towards a more sustainable future for everyone. You can read more on how AI can enable a secure and decarbonized grid in Enlit’s interview with Hanna Grene.

Join the Microsoft Energy and Resources Industry team at Enlit Europe 2023, where we unite with our customers and partners to expedite the energy sector’s transformation. Together, we are at the forefront, catalyzing change through grid modernization and AI-driven solutions. Use this link to register directly for a special complimentary exhibition pass courtesy of Microsoft. We eagerly anticipate exploring the possibilities with you in Paris.

Learn more about Microsoft for Energy and Resources


1United Nations Facts and Figures.

2Era free of fossil-fuel powered vehicles comes into focus at COP26; draft outcome is met with calls for more ambition, United Nations.

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Microsoft highlights innovation in power and utilities http://approjects.co.za/?big=en-us/industry/blog/energy-and-resources/2023/05/04/microsoft-highlights-innovation-in-power-and-utilities/ Thu, 04 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000 As we head into summer, I’m excited to share highlights from this past spring including a large language models (LLM) use case at Ontario Power Generation, key takeaways from DISTRIBUTECH 2023, and how our partners are restoring power to communities impacted by extreme weather events. We also launched two new video series with recent expert speakers covering policy and partnerships—you won’t want to miss them.

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Over the last few months, we’ve touched on multiple topics and trends in energy underscored by one key theme—the transition to clean energy. While demand continues to rise for safe, affordable, and reliable clean energy, meeting that need and ensuring affordability, safety, access, and resilience remains challenging.

In nearly every conversation I have with industry executives, we discuss the headwinds facing the industry from inflation and supply chain constraints to ambitious policy goals, rising cybersecurity risk, and extreme climate events. Yet no matter how large or complex the challenges are, we always turn to opportunity, solutions, and how we will accomplish more together.

This was exactly the tone at IEEE Grid Edge 2023 with leaders from Eaton, Landis+Gyr, and Siemens. We discussed the accelerating transition towards a digital grid, the importance of collaboration across disciplines, the leap-forward potential of generative AI, and the necessity of partnerships to turn our toughest challenges into our greatest successes.

IEEE Grid Edge 2023 panel discussion on digital grid and partnerships featuring Hanna Grene of Microsoft

As we head into summer, I’m excited to share highlights from this past spring including a large language models (LLM) use case at Ontario Power Generation, key takeaways from DISTRIBUTECH 2023, and how our partners are restoring power to communities impacted by extreme weather events. We also launched two new video series with recent expert speakers covering policy and partnerships—you won’t want to miss them.   

Ontario Power Generation transforms operations with ChatGPT

ChatGPT provides real solutions to real challenges that the power and utilities sector is facing. Leading energy companies are already harnessing the power of generative AI and LLM to improve productivity, safety, and performance. Ontario Power Generation worked closely with Microsoft to implement Microsoft 365 infused with AI capabilities. Innovations include an AI-powered chatbot called ChatOPG designed to communicate with employees using natural language processing. ChatOPG functions as a digital personal assistant, answering specific questions on topics ranging from IT support and HR processes to creating step-by-step troubleshooting plans based on past equipment failures, saving staff time and helping to connect them with essential information.

The power of partnerships at DISTRIBUTECH 2023

Earlier this year at DISTRIBUTECH 2023 in San Diego, the Microsoft Energy team joined customers, partners, and industry leaders to discuss electric vehicle integration, substation automation and renewable energy optimization, and much more.

We showcased the Microsoft technology platform and innovations with 12 partners at our booth including Accenture, Avangrid, Awesense, Bentley, Cognite, EnXchange, eSmart Systems, InnovationForce, Itineris, Itron, Neudesic, NODES, PXiSE, Schneider Electric, Sonata, TerraPraxis, Thread (Airtonomy), and Uptake. Together, we showcased what the future holds for data analytics, grid modernization and grid edge technologies, digital workforce enablement, collaboration, and cybersecurity.

It was no surprise that renewable energy management and accelerating the energy transition were top of mind and took center stage across all sessions. Imperatives include grid modernization, Distributed Energy Resource Management Solutions (DERMS), Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), and the need to harness digital technology to achieve these transformative goals.

Another important topic was improving digital customer engagement and robust cybersecurity. Across initiatives, gaining actionable insights from huge volumes of data was recognized as essential for addressing the grid’s future resiliency, digitalization, and decentralization.

Accelerating to net zero with Portland General Electric and InnovationForce

To meet aggressive decarbonization targets for 2030, Portland General Electric (PGE) needed a technology platform that could exponentially increase the volume and quality of ideas in its innovation program. PGE turned to InnovationForce for a revolutionary platform based on Microsoft Cloud technologies that helps enterprises innovate faster while reducing the time spent per person. The team is testing a wide range of digital transformation technologies including digital twins, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), drones, automation, grid edge intelligence, new sensing technologies, and transformation technologies.

More than 50 use cases are being tested, with learnings documented and shared in an Innovation Hub with dashboard reporting. The project has already vetted ideas that have identified as much as USD500 million in CAPEX and USD500 million in OPEX savings and avoided (estimated over 20 years) by use of more affordable, disruptive digital technology.

Bringing cleaner energy to disaster response

From decarbonization to disaster-recovery, alternative energy sources enable resilience. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Footprint Project is a nonprofit organization that deploys solar-powered resources to communities impacted by catastrophic weather events. The nonprofit teamed with Schneider Electric, a leading Microsoft Cloud Partner and sustainability leader. The Footprint Project’s microgrids, which combine power from multiple sources, collects data from solar generators using Schneider Electric’s microgrid technology built on Microsoft Azure.

Time magazine included Footprint’s microgrids on Time’s List of Best Inventions of 2022, and the partnership was featured at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in January 2023. The work was also highlighted as part of the Microsoft #BuildFor2030 Initiative for its impact in helping advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The work we do with our energy customers and partners underscores the power of innovation and how technology is boosting momentum for cleaner energy in the power and utilities sector. To meet global demand for safe, reliable, and clean energy, Microsoft will continue to partner with the energy industry on innovative solutions that accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Stay current on energy trends with The Short Circuit and Top Trends in Energy video series

  • In the first episode of The Short Circuit, Darryl Willis, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Energy and Resources Industry, interviews special guest Tom Deitrich, President and CEO of Itron. A global leader in the power and utilities sector, Itron is driving some of the most significant advancements in smart meters and smart grids to enable a resilient, secure, and low-carbon power grid. To hear about ways that data and analytics are shaping the energy transition, watch the interview on YouTube. Make sure to subscribe to the channel and click the bell for alerts on new videos including discussions with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Constellation.
  • We also just launched the Top Trends in Energy video series and I was pleased to be joined by the CEO of GridWise Alliance Dr. Karen Wayland to talk about Modernizing the energy grid. Learn how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the United States create opportunities for investment in digital infrastructure and discover how companies are implementing new technologies, data-driven approaches, and investment strategies to manage the growing demand on the grid. As more technology is added to the grid, more data will be generated, making cloud storage and data analytics critical components of grid modernization.
  • In the episode Harnessing the data revolution in the power and utilities industry with Bilal Khursheed, Director, Americas Power and Utilities Industry, Microsoft, and Gina Weber, Utility Analytics Institute Managing Director, learn how data analytics serves as a bridge between technology, real-world applications, and customer service. By adopting a data-driven approach, power and utilities companies are making better decisions, increasing efficiency, and boosting security.
  • In Building momentum in the transition to clean energy with Chris Arend, Business Applications Sales Executive—South Region, Microsoft and Bill Kent, Executive Director at the Association of Energy Engineers, hear about the role of data and technology in predicting energy needs, stabilizing market pricing, and controlling supply and demand outputs. Energy companies have the advantage of optimizing existing infrastructure and assets to accelerate decarbonization and transition to a clean energy future.

Stay tuned for more from the Microsoft Energy Team, our partners, and our customers as we work together to power a sustainable future.

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Microsoft for Energy and Resources

Transform the energy and resources industry and achieve net zero.

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