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Jacqueline Ntaka

THE integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Zimbabwe’s electricity grid presents an exciting opportunity to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability by optimising distribution, reducing wastage, and ensuring a more stable power supply for its citizens.

AI can play a crucial role in predicting electricity demand and supply, enabling more accurate load forecasting. This is particularly important in Zimbabwe, where power shortages and load shedding are common.

AI algorithms can analyse historical data, weather patterns, and real-time consumption to predict demand spikes and adjust supply accordingly. For instance, AI can help identify peak usage times and ensure that power is distributed more evenly, reducing the likelihood of blackouts.

One of the key benefits of AI in electricity distribution is its ability to enhance grid management. AI systems can monitor the health of the grid in real-time, detecting faults and inefficiencies that may lead to power outages. By identifying these issues early, AI can prompt maintenance teams to address problems before they escalate, ensuring a more reliable power supply. Additionally, AI can optimise the routing of electricity, ensuring that power is delivered where it is needed most, thereby reducing transmission losses.

AI can also facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into Zimbabwe’s electricity grid.

Renewable energy, such as solar and wind, is inherently variable and can be challenging to manage.

AI can predict the output of these renewable sources based on weather forecasts and historical data, allowing for better planning and integration into the grid.

This can help Zimbabwe reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable energy future.

Several countries have successfully implemented AI to manage their electricity distribution, providing valuable examples for Zimbabwe. In Canada, Hydro-Québec uses AI to balance electricity supply and demand. The AI system analyses data from various sources, including weather forecasts and consumption patterns, to predict demand and adjust supply in real-time. This has resulted in more efficient grid management and reduced instances of power outages.

In the United States, AI is being used to enhance the efficiency of smart grids. Companies like IBM and Google have developed AI systems that monitor grid performance, predict equipment failures, and optimise energy distribution.

These systems have been instrumental in improving the reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather conditions.

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China has also made significant strides in using AI for electricity distribution. The country has implemented AI-driven smart grids that can predict energy demand, optimise energy storage, and manage the distribution of electricity from renewable sources. These smart grids have helped China manage its vast and complex electricity network more effectively, reducing wastage and improving overall efficiency.

In Europe, countries like Germany and the Netherlands are using AI to integrate renewable energy into their grids. AI systems predict the output of solar and wind farms, allowing grid operators to balance supply and demand more effectively. This has been crucial in managing the variability of renewable energy and ensuring a stable power supply.

For Zimbabwe, adopting AI in electricity distribution could be transformative. By learning from these international examples, Zimbabwe can develop AI systems tailored to its unique challenges and opportunities. This could involve partnerships with technology companies and international organisations to build the necessary infrastructure and expertise.

l Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected]