Hosted by the World Energy Council and Saudi Arabia Ministry of Energy

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The smart energy era

Harnessing digital transformation and AI for a resilient energy future

The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, entering what many are calling the ‘smart energy era’. This new age is defined by the seamless integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven systems into every facet of energy production, distribution, and consumption.  

At the same time, how we deliver more and better energy is changing - using only the levers of innovation and technology is not sufficient. In an age of artificial intelligence, it is essential to humanise energy: to retain sight of human experience and leverage collective wisdom to deliver energy for billions of better lives and a healthy planet.

The leadership dialogues around 'The smart energy era' at World Energy Congress 2027 will explore how the digital revolution in energy delivers on its promise of efficiency, resilience, and sustainability - without losing sight of who and what energy is for. 

A look at what's to come

Sessions will include:

Flexible demand: Strengthening markets and grids

Demand-side flexibility is becoming a cornerstone of modern energy systems. This session examines how real-time demand shifts - enabled by digital tools, market signals and new business models - can help balance supply and demand more efficiently. Speakers explore how flexible demand can strengthen grids, reduce system costs and support more resilient pathways for rapidly evolving energy markets.

 

The human edge: Trust in the age of AI

Trust is the invisible infrastructure of energy transitions. Even in a world of AI and big data, human judgement remains essential. This session explores how collective intelligence - rooted in practical wisdom, empathy and fairness - can guide better decisions and strengthen trustworthiness across systems. Speakers reflect on why transitions accelerate when people, not just technologies, shape choices in ways that build confidence and global progress.

 

Sust-AI-nability: Digital twins, AI and the future of grids

From local microgrids to regional interconnectors, AI and digital twins are beginning to reshape how grids are planned and operated. This session explores where these tools are already improving system visibility, forecasting and stress testing -and where limits remain. Speakers discuss how digital capabilities, combined with human judgement and operational readiness, can support smarter planning, resilience and cleaner grid performance at scale.

 

The security of cybersecurity

As energy systems become more connected and digitalised, cybersecurity is now core to energy security. This session explores emerging threats, resilience strategies and collaborative solutions to safeguard data, infrastructure and trust across an increasingly interconnected energy ecosystem.

 

Powering AI at scale

As artificial intelligence scales, data centres are becoming strategic energy infrastructure. This session examines AI through an energy systems lens, focusing on generation capacity, grid readiness and industrial policy. Leaders explore how countries can align power supply, infrastructure planning and competitiveness strategies to translate energy strength into long-term digital advantage.

 

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