How can the growing complexity of our power grids be managed in an era of decentralization and volatility? At the 2026 Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin, Prof. Antonello Monti addressed this core question, positioning Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a decisive enabler for a stable energy system.

Open Standards and European Sovereignty

The discussions focused on two pioneering initiatives that bridge the gap between research and industrial application. The OpenEnergyTwin project is creating a modular, open-source platform that serves as a real-time alternative to proprietary SCADA systems. The goal is to pave the way for innovations in grid planning and control.

Furthermore, Prof. Monti introduced the AI.Grid initiative. This ambitious project, which receives significant support from the European Commission, follows a collaborative approach: a "Coalition of the Willing" from industry, academia, and politics is working together to develop an open AI Foundation Model for the European energy sector.

An Open Ecosystem for Europe

The objective of AI.Grid is to move away from isolated, individual solutions toward a scaled, collective standard. "It is an open project with open results," said Prof. Monti. This open-source philosophy is intended to ensure that European grid operators and energy service providers can rely on a technological foundation that accelerates innovation while simultaneously strengthening Europe's digital sovereignty.