Challenges in the Georgian Energy Sector and the Role of AI Programs in the Development of Georgian Power Grid

Georgia's power grid faces challenges related to its existing radial infrastructure, increasing consumption, and the integration of generation and transit capacities, along with new issues that have arisen in recent years due to energy market liberalization and climate change. The liberalization of the energy market has led to limits on reserve size and systematization, as well as the establishment of daily, hourly, 15-minute, and 5-minute electricity trading. This shift has moved operations beyond the comfort zone of dispatchers and has contributed to the automation and computerization of electricity trading and exchanges, thereby increasing the risk of cyber attacks and information insecurity.

To combat climate change, thermal and nuclear plants are being paired with wind and solar variable generation. The growing use of renewable energy sources requires the development of effective management strategies to satisfy the global demand for clean and affordable energy. One of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure universal access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Achieving this goal necessitates innovative solutions and modern technologies to tackle constraints such as insufficient energy generation, faulty transmission and distribution infrastructure, accessibility challenges, and weather-related issues. Artificial intelligence presents a significant opportunity to meet the demands of modern society. Recent advancements in neural network research, machine learning, and cognitive computing have created new possibilities for energy management, monitoring, and optimization.

Artificial intelligence (AI) programs can help minimize losses and costs, promote clean renewable energy sources within global energy systems, and enhance the design, operation, and control of power systems. The article discusses the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector and highlights the role of artificial intelligence in the advancement of Georgia's energy system.