Can AI Power Up Nigeria’s Electricity Grid? Female Engineers Lobby Minister

…Stress the Need to Develop AI Solutions Inclusively

…Make Case for AI Powered Smart Grids

Nigeria’s power woes might finally see an end thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) is urging the government to embrace AI-powered smart grids as a solution to the country’s longstanding electricity problems.

APWEN President, Dr. Adebisi Osim, believes AI can revolutionize the power sector. AI-powered smart grids offer real-time monitoring, demand forecasting, and load balancing, leading to a more efficient and stable power supply.

Dr. Osim highlights the potential of advanced analytics and machine learning in optimizing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach can significantly enhance Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Addressing Longstanding Challenges

Nigeria’s power sector struggles with inadequate generation capacity, aging infrastructure, and limited access to clean energy sources. Corruption, policy bottlenecks, and inefficient distribution systems further exacerbate the problem. However, AI presents a unique opportunity to address these longstanding challenges.

Dr. Osim emphasizes the potential of AI solutions to tackle technical aspects of the power sector with greater precision and efficiency. Predictive maintenance models powered by AI can help anticipate equipment failures, minimizing downtime and ensuring overall system reliability.

The benefits of AI extend beyond technical solutions. AI can play a crucial role in improving energy access, affordability, and equity. Innovative solutions for metering, billing, and revenue collection can be developed using AI, ensuring a more efficient and fair energy system.

While acknowledging the immense potential of AI, Dr. Osim highlights the importance of addressing ethical concerns. A comprehensive legal and regulatory framework is needed to ensure data privacy, protection, and ethical use of AI in the power sector.

Dr. Osim emphasizes the need to develop AI solutions inclusively, considering the diverse needs and perspectives of Nigerian society. Guarding against biases and ensuring responsible development of AI will be crucial in harnessing its full potential for the country’s power sector.

This story highlights the growing conversation around AI as a potential solution to Nigeria’s electricity woes. By embracing AI and addressing the associated challenges, Nigeria can take a significant step towards a more stable and efficient power grid.