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ETIP SNET – Unlocking the Potential of AI and Generative AI in European Smart Grids

Policy Paper

A summary report capturing the key discussions, findings and follow-up actions from the INESC Brussels HUB’s 2026 Summer Meeting on European research infrastructure priorities.

Executive summary

This strategic position paper by ETIP SNET, the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Smart Networks for Energy Transition, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) can support Europe’s move to a decarbonised, decentralised and digitalised energy system. AI can optimise grid operations, improve forecasting of renewable energy, enable predictive maintenance and demand response, and strengthen cybersecurity. GenAI adds synthetic data generation, support for complex decisions, and better collaboration between people and AI. Realising this potential requires regulatory clarity, better access to data, skills, digital infrastructure, common standards and trust. The paper proposes a phased roadmap, from building foundations (0–2 years) to scaling (2–5 years) and full integration (5+ years), with recommendations for policymakers, grid operators, technology developers and academia.

Key takeaways

  • AI and GenAI can make Europe's smart grids more efficient, flexible and resilient, from forecasting renewable energy to predictive maintenance and cybersecurity.
  • The main barriers are unclear application of the AI Act and GDPR, siloed data, a shortage of people skilled in both AI and energy, and gaps in infrastructure and standards.
  • A phased roadmap should move from regulatory clarity, data access and pilots in the short term, to scaling and harmonisation, and then to full integration of AI in the energy system.
  • Success depends on coordinated action by policymakers, grid operators, industry and academia, backed by sustained investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation.
  • Deploying AI in a trustworthy, secure and human-centric way can make Europe a global leader in responsible AI for the energy transition.

Authors & download

Authors: Luís Vale Cunha-Coordination Team: Antonello Monti, David Steenmeijer, John Ogundiran, Milos Subasic, Ricardo Bessa, Subhash Lakshminarayana
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Last reviewed / validation

17/08/2026