TNB is using AI like a ‘smart GPS’ for electricity — and it could transform Malaysia’s energy grid

“KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — Much like how weather forecasts help people plan their daily routines, from avoiding traffic congestion during heavy rain to organising weekend activities, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in the energy sector to anticipate electricity demand and prepare power systems ahead of time. For Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), AI is becoming the driving force behind a smarter, safer and more efficient power grid as the utility provider navigates the growing complexity of modern electricity systems. TNB chief digital and information officer Azlan Ahmad said AI for energy is essentially about giving the power grid “a brain and eyes” capable of predicting, optimising and protecting the system in real time. “The traditional power supply system is like a manual car, where the driver has to make every decision, change every gear and watch every gauge. “However, today’s power system has become far more complex, with thousands of increasing numbers of solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) chargers being connected to the grid every day. This makes it increasingly challenging for humans to manage the system efficiently in real time,” he told Bernama during a recent interview at TNB headquarters here. Azlan said AI now functions like “a weather forecaster for electricity”, helping TNB anticipate changes in electricity demand and prepare the system earlier. “AI also works like a smart GPS, finding the most efficient path for power to travel so that nothing is wasted,” he said. Beyond efficiency, he said, AI is also helping utilities strengthen grid reliability and safety. “It acts like a 24/7 security guard, capable of detecting early signs of faults in cables even before breakdowns occur,” he added. Azlan described the development of an “AI-ready grid” as a major shift in how electricity systems are managed, moving away from fixing problems only after they happen towards detecting risks earlier and responding faster. He said AI is already being applied across TNB’s operations, including through tools that identify tripping patterns to reduce disruptions, predictive maintenance systems for underground cables, and visual intelligence solutions to improve field quality and safety. “It is a fundamental shift from a reactive approach, fixing issues after they occur, to a proactive approach that allows us to detect risks earlier and respond more quickly,” he said. He said AI is already helping TNB identify signs of stress within the power network before they escalate into disruptions or outages, while also enabling engineers to detect recurring faults more efficiently. “Overall, AI ensures that the energy system operates with greater efficiency, stability and responsiveness. “It allows us to be quick to detect and swift to act,” he said. Beyond improving reliability, Azlan said AI is also helping the utility provider determine which equipment requires maintenance based on actual conditions rather than routine schedules, allowing issues to be addressed before breakdowns occur. At the regional level, he said the digital foundation would also strengthen preparations for the future Asean Power Grid initiative, which aims to facilitate more secure cross-border electricity flows within the region. “With better data and system visibility, we are in a stronger position to support secure, cross-border energy flows over time,” he said. Azlan also said the growing role of AI in reshaping energy systems would be among the key themes discussed at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26), which TNB sees as a platform to connect technological innovation with Malaysia’s broader energy transition agenda. He said ETCon26 is a continuation of efforts initiated during the 2023 edition, where the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) was launched, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. “In line with current global trends, the theme for ETCon26 this year is ‘Energy & AI: The Synergy for Energy Transition’, which focuses on how energy and AI can be combined to build a sustainable future,” he said. He said the conference would focus on three key pillars — “Energy for AI”, “AI for Energy” and “Energy Transition for People”. “Energy for AI is about ensuring clean energy supports our digital world, AI for Energy is about making the power supply system more efficient and reliable, while Energy Transition for People ensures the benefits of the energy transition are inclusive and improve people’s quality of life,” he said. Azlan said ETCon26 would also serve as a platform for industry players and the public to better understand how technological innovation supports the country’s energy transition efforts. “For industry players, this is a chance to see AI-ready grids in action and play a part in the Asean energy story led by Malaysia. “For the general public, it serves as a platform to understand how innovation keeps green energy affordable, safe and reliable for daily life,” he said. ETCon26 will be held from June 3 to 5, 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scheduled to officiate at the conference on the second day. Those interested may register via the conference website at www.the-etconference.com , and use the promo code ETCON26BERNAMA for a special offer. — Bernama

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