AI for grid optimization Itron, Schneider Electric, and Microsoft have joined forces to deliver a comprehensive Grid Edge Intelligence solution that enhances utility visibility and control from the edge to the control center. By integrating distributed intelligence, advanced analytics, and AI-powered data platforms, the collaboration However, there is also a recognition that without parallel investment in grids, clean energy, and storage, some AI initiatives (like electrified transport or smart cities) could hit energy constraints. Essentially, investment is rising but so is awareness of physical limits and competing priorities, a nuance that wasnt as pronounced a year ago. Accelerating energy infrastructure permitting Permitting has long been a critical bottleneck for the rollout of energy infrastructure worldwide. The time intensive, complex, and cost intensive permitting and licensing processes can introduce unpredictability and risk to the development and deployment of energy projects. The Microsoft Generative AI for Energy Permitting Solution Accelerator empowers environmental planners and regulatory engineers to navigate these challenges with advanced speed and precision. For example, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) recently announced a collaboration to use Microsofts Azure cloud and AI technologies to streamline the nuclear permitting and licensing application process. 14 Traditionally, permit applications span thousands of pages, may take years to finalize, and result in substantial 2 Rising AI investment tempered by pragmatism More companies are allocating budget to AI projects, and more investors are inquiring about AI in energy opportunities. Priority of Artificial Intelligence One of Many Priorities Not a Priority Dont Know / Not Relevant The Top Priority One of the Top Two Priorities The Top Priority by Audience: Industry and sector peers: 13% Finance and investment leaders: 8% Government and policy experts: 0% In the business world, there's a lot of talk: we're doing everything with AI now, everything is better now, we're better because we use AI, [but many] others aren't yet. Brussels, Government and Policy Expert 2024 33% 9% 49% 8% 2% 2025 31% 14% 47% 7% 2% -5% AI still seen as a priority investment Figure 4 enables real-time insights, improved load and voltage management, and seamless DER integration. This non-wires solution can boost grid capacity without new infrastructure, helping utilities address growing demand and long equipment lead times while maintaining reliability and efficiency. 13 costs, sometimes millions of dollars, delaying critical clean energy projects. By harnessing generative AI and intelligent agents, the Accelerator automates data compilation, formatting, and review, facilitating comprehensive, consistent, and compliant applications. It can enable instant detection of errors and omissions, dramatically reducing review times and boosting confidence in regulatory alignment. Applicable across a range of energy sectors including nuclear, renewables and mining, the Accelerator supports diverse permitting needs with scalable AI-powered capabilities. This innovation not only saves thousands of hours but also accelerates the launch of vital infrastructure, unlocking clean energy deployment at scale. Over the past year, weve seen unprecedented investment flow into AI infrastructure, clean energy, and grid capacity. Yet the scale of demand ahead will require trillions more in long-term capital. The investment community must evolve to meet this challenge, financing not only technology and infrastructure, but also the skills needed for a sustainable, AI-enabled energy future. Douglas Kimmelman Executive Chairman, ECP 13 Collaboration to Extend Grid Edge Intelligence to the Utility Control Center, March 24, 2025, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/24/3047874/0/en/Itron-and-Schneider-Electric-Collaborate-to- Tackle-Grid-Complexity-Enable-Visibility-and-Control-at-the-Grid-Edge-Integrating-Microsoft-Solutions.html 14 Idaho National Laboratory collaborates with Microsoft to streamline nuclear licensing, July 16, 2025, https://inl.gov/news-release/idaho-national-laboratory-collaborates-with-microsoft-to-streamline-nuclear-licensing/ 2025 SURVEY INSIGHT Key Shifts from 2024 to 2025 Investment keeps rising, priority cools slightly. 87% of organizations report higher AI and digital infrastructure spend in the past 12 months, but AI as the top organizational priority dipped among senior leaders reflecting a maturing view as deployments move from hype to integration. Energy and digital infrastructure leaders are moving from siloed operations to strategic collaborationdriven by the urgent need to jointly tackle electricity affordability, sustainability, and reliability while unlocking innovation at scale. Watch For in 2026 Integrated AIenergy investment announcements (e.g., the new digital infrastructure announced alongside new clean energy and other forms of grid- enhancing resources). A focus on time-to-market for AI products, which will necessitate unique, forward-leaning use of energy technologies at or near data center locations to balance scale and sustainability. 25 Powering Possible 2025 24