Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24: The world is presently facing two major challenges—energy security and worries concerning the environment. The solution to both problems is increased use of renewable energy.
As India is striving to reduce carbon emissions and integrating renewable resources to address these concerns, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a critical enabler of a cleaner and smarter energy future.
The subject was the focus of a two-day international conference on electrical power engineering and related issues which was held at the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), faculty of engineering and technology of the SOA Deemed to be University here, on February 20 and 21.
The 4thOdisha International Conference on Electrical Power Engineering, Communication and Computing Technology (ODICON-2026), which was organised by the Department of Electrical Engineering of ITER in association with the AIC-SOA Foundation, was attended by experts from across India and several countries.
The speakers who discussed the issue pointed out that the transformation from fossil fuel-based systems to renewable energy ecosystems presented significant technical challenges including variability of solar and wind generation, grid instability, storage limitations and demand unpredictability. However, AI provided advanced data-driven solutions to address these problems.
One of the most impactful applications of AI was in renewable energy forecasting, they said adding Machine Learning models analysed historical weather data, satellite imagery and real-time atmospheric conditions to accurately predict solar and wind output. “Improved forecasting reduces grid imbalances, minimizes curtailment and enhances reliability in renewable-heavy grids,” they said.
The conference, attended by experts from academia and industry, was of the view that by enhancing renewable integration, optimizing grid performance, improving storage efficiency and driving demand side management, AI was accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
The inaugural session of the conference was graced by Prof. Prasanta Kumar Patra, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SOA and Prof. P.K. Sahoo, Dean, ITER, while Prof. Renu Sharma, General Chair, ODICON-2026 presented the thematic address. Prof. Manas Kumar Mallick, Director, ITER, was present.
The eminent participants included Prof. Tripta Thakur, Vice-Chancellor, Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, Prof. Preeti Bajaj, Chair Elect, IEEE India Council, Prof. Bhim Singh, ANRF National Science Chair and Emeritus Professor, IIT Delhi, Prof. Milan Balik and Prof. Olena Rubanenko of University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic, Prof. Akhil Garg of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China, Prof. Bijay Kumar Panigrahi, Dean (Student Affairs), IIT Delhi, Dr. Sunanda Sinha of Malaviya NIT, Jaipur, Dr. Ravita Lamba of IIT Roorkee, Mr. Hare Krishna Ratha, Chair IEEE Bhubaneswar Section, Dr. Debabrata Nayak, Director, Cyber Security, PwC India and Prof. Manoj Debnath, General Chair, ODICON-2026.
