North America | October 14, 2024

Exploring the Edge of Possibility: Itron Inspire 2024

As the energy transition accelerates, utilities and cities face numerous challenges in managing energy and water.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

The Itron Inspire 2024 conference brought together over 1,200 industry leaders from 250 utilities to share knowledge and insights on the latest innovations in energy and water management. The event’s theme, “Exploring the Edge of Possibility,” highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in addressing the challenges faced by utilities and cities.

According to Itron’s 2024 Resourcefulness Insight Report, 86% of utilities identify AI and ML as crucial for addressing operational challenges amid the energy transition. The report explores how utilities envision AI and ML impacting the industry today and in the future.

Industry leaders, such as Tom Deitrich, Itron’s president and CEO, emphasized the importance of data and AI in navigating the rapidly evolving energy landscape. Marina Donovan, vice president of global marketing, ESG and public affairs, shared insights from the report, highlighting the promise and challenges of AI and ML in utilities.

The conference also featured thought-provoking keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking events focused on leveraging data and AI to power the future of utility operations. Attendees discussed the potential of AI to autonomously protect the grid, accelerate clean power, and strengthen the grid.

Inlander, a speaker at the conference, encouraged the audience to think creatively about new ideas and ways of hardening the grid. He discussed the growing utility of digital twins and hinted at implementing self-healing, self-starting grid tech that’s scaling up.

The event served as a timely reminder of the importance of reliable water and energy resources.

Source: Smart Energy International