Artificial intelligence in bangladesh's power sector: A catalyst for transformation

Photo: TBS

Bangladesh, a country well-known for its quick economic expansion and rising energy needs, is about to witness a technological revolution in the power industry. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the energy infrastructure has the potential to resolve long-standing issues and advance the nation toward a more efficient, dependable, and sustainable energy future. Bangladesh must use AI's potential to improve the resilience and performance of the electricity industry as the rest of the globe adopts it. 

The potential of AI to optimise energy production and consumption is one of its most attractive benefits in the power industry. Traditional energy management systems frequently need more efficiency because of their antiquated infrastructure and shortage of real-time data. In contrast, artificial intelligence (AI) can forecast and improve energy output by analysing massive volumes of data from several sources, such as weather patterns, trends in energy demand, and grid performance. 

AI can reduce operating expenses by 15-20%, increase the efficiency of renewable energy by up to 20%, and decrease unscheduled outages by 30%. Real-time adjustments to power generation may be made using machine learning algorithms, which lowers waste and operating expenses. By 2025, more than 60% of power utilities are projected to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% for AI investments. AI optimization can improve grid sustainability and reliability by reducing CO2 emissions by 5-7% yearly.

Due to its reliance on physical infrastructure, the power industry is vulnerable to maintenance issues and equipment breakdowns. By predicting equipment faults before they happen, AI-driven predictive maintenance can completely change this maintenance aspect. Machine intelligence (AI) algorithms can forecast possible malfunctions by analysing data on temperature, vibration, and other characteristics collected by embedded sensors. 

This proactive strategy guarantees a more dependable power supply, reduces unscheduled downtime, and increases equipment longevity. Demand response programs with AI capabilities have demonstrated the ability to shift or lower peak load by up to 10%, which can aid in grid stabilisation during moments of high demand.

Like many other energy grids worldwide, Bangladesh's energy system needs help to balance supply and demand. AI-powered intelligent grids have the potential to completely transform load management by dynamically allocating electricity according to current demand data. 

By balancing the erratic supply of electricity from solar and wind power with conventional energy sources, these networks may integrate renewable energy sources more successfully. To avert blackouts and lessen the burden on the grid, demand response programs—in which customers are rewarded for modifying or lowering their energy use during peak hours—can also be made possible by AI. 

Also, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise rural grid management has been investigated by the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), with potential benefits for over 20 million rural homes. AI-based energy management solutions are being piloted by Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) to improve distribution efficiency and lower losses.

AI can be crucial in integrating these sources into the national grid as Bangladesh looks to expand its potential for renewable energy. Grid stability is challenged because renewable energy sources such as the sun and wind are inherently variable. 

Based on past trends and meteorological data, artificial intelligence (AI) can estimate renewable energy generation, enabling grid operators to plan for variations and guarantee a steady electricity supply. Bangladesh's ambitious plans to raise its proportion of renewable energy to 30% by 2030 depend heavily on this capacity. 

Although AI integration in Bangladesh's electricity sector is still in its infancy, there is a lot of promise. With a target of 30% by 2030, renewable energy now makes up 4.5% of the energy mix as of 2023.

Energy theft and losses from technological inefficiencies pose severe difficulties to Bangladesh's electricity sector. AI can assist in detecting and preventing energy theft by examining patterns of use and spotting irregularities that point to unapproved use. When combined with AI, advanced metering infrastructure can offer real-time monitoring and notify authorities of any questionable activity. AI can also identify regions with substantial technical losses and suggest specific changes to cut down on energy waste.

Bangladesh's electricity industry can benefit significantly from AI, but certain important issues need to be resolved. Strong cybersecurity measures are necessary to safeguard sensitive data, making data privacy and security imperative. 

Given that AI systems require highly trained workers and cutting-edge hardware and software, significant investments in workforce training and technical infrastructure are necessary. Collaboration between the public and commercial sectors is essential to developing the requisite skills and promoting an innovative culture in the industry.

AI can manage energy production, integrate renewables, and improve grid stability to change Bangladesh's power industry completely. Coordinated efforts are needed to overcome technological, financial, and regulatory obstacles. AI has the potential to transform the sector entirely, boosting economic development and raising millions of people's standards of living with the correct investments and regulations. 

To successfully incorporate AI into Bangladesh's electricity industry, strong cybersecurity and data protection safeguards must be implemented, workforce training and technology infrastructure must be invested in, and public-private collaborations must be encouraged. Legal frameworks must be created to direct the use of AI and encourage creative thinking. These actions will improve energy management, increase grid stability, and make it easier to integrate renewable energy sources.

Muhammad Tanveer Islam is a Research Associate at the BIGM. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.