Opening Plenary Session

As the electric power industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, electrification, and accelerating demand growth from large-scale data centers, utilities and system operators are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. This opening plenary session brings together global industry leaders to discuss how the grid is evolving to support a more connected, data-driven, and resilient future while advancing reliability, affordability, and energy security. Drawing on perspectives from utilities, global power system organizations, and energy strategy leaders, the panel will explore the role of AI in power system planning and operations, transmission and distribution modernization, infrastructure needs for the digital economy, and strategies to strengthen grid resilience in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.