The Paris Session 2026 will open with a forward-looking high-level panel dedicated to one of the most transformative forces shaping the power sector today: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing impact on the powert system industry.
Taking place on Monday 24 August, from 08:30 to 11:45, this opening panel will bring together leading experts, industry decision-makers and power system stakeholders to explore how AI is reshaping networks, operations and strategic planning.
As power systems evolve to meet decarbonisation goals, rising demand and increasing complexity, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a critical enabler of smarter, greener and more resilient grids. The Opening Panel will examine both the opportunities and the challenges associated with this technological shift.
Technical pathways for a resilient green grid
The first panel discussion will focus on technical solutions and pathways for building a sustainable and resilient power grid. Experts will address how innovation, digitalisation and intelligent system management can strengthen network reliability while accelerating the energy transition.
Data centres, AI growth and impacts on the grid
With the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, the second panel will explore the growing influence of data centres and other large electricity users on power systems.
Topics will include:
- Power adequacy and net-zero emissions challenges
- Grid connection issues including location, timing and network expansion
- Flexible connection models at distribution level
- Technical considerations such as Fault Ride Through, harmonics and protection coordination
- Operational flexibility and provision of grid services
- Cyber-physical system implications
This discussion comes at a pivotal time as utilities worldwide prepare for unprecedented new demand driven by AI computing capacity.
AI applications transforming utilities and system operations
The third panel will focus on practical Artificial Intelligence applications already delivering value across the industry.
Sessions will cover:
- Predicting failures before they occur
- AI-driven predictive maintenance
- Integrating AI into utility workflows
- Use cases for System Operators
- AI solutions supporting the energy transition
From asset management to real-time operations, AI is increasingly becoming a strategic tool for utilities seeking efficiency, reliability and agility.
AI and the future role of CIGRE
The final panel will consider Artificial Intelligence and CIGRE, exploring how the global power community can collaborate, share expertise and shape the responsible deployment of AI technologies for the benefit of the sector.
A must-attend event of Paris Session 2026
As the power system industry enters a new era of digital transformation, this Opening Panel promises to set the tone by addressing one of the defining topics of the decade.
You are invited to register to the CIGRE Paris Session and join this discussion on how Artificial Intelligence can help power a more sustainable, secure and resilient future.