AI represents a huge opportunity for the grid sector facing a rapidly changing load landscape. However, for the historically conservative and risk-averse industry, trustworthiness remains a hurdle to mass implementation.

Fragmented network data is another challenge – at the same time, it could represent an opportunity for AI to work around the flaws.

In this episode, we gather insights directly from three leading grid management tech providers: Ralf Blumenthal, SVP Europe at Siemens Grid Software, Linda-Maria Wadman, Chief Commercial Officer at Plexigrid, and Talal Eskandar, Executive Managing Director at Reactive Technologies. They explain the role AI plays in their technologies and what the industry could expect ahead.

We’re also joined by Rehaan Shiledar, senior power industry analyst and author of GlobalData’s 2026 Smart Grids report, to discuss the risks and rewards AI can bring to smart grids.

⁠Jackie Park⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, editor-in-chief of GlobalData's energy titles, is the host and producer of this episode.

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(00:00) Intro

(00:48) Overview: AI in smart grids

(02:20) How grid tech providers are integrating AI

(05:23) Fragmented data: AI’s opportunity and challenge

(08:36) Building trust in AI

(10:05) Calls for action

Resources from this episode:

• GlobalData’s 2026 Smart Grid: Strategic Intelligence report, authored by Rehaan Shiledar