AI-Driven Methods and Solutions for Intelligent Distribution Networks
Parlermo, Italy, May 18-21, 2026
Organized by João Soares (jan@isep.ipp.pt), Bruno Francois, Dhaker Abbes, Zita Vale
The accelerating digitalization and decentralization of power systems demand new paradigms for managing electricity distribution networks. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative enabler, reshaping how we plan, operate, and optimize distribution systems toward efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
This special session convenes cutting-edge research and real-world applications that harness AI, data analytics, and machine learning for the next generation of distribution grids. We welcome work spanning from AI algorithmic innovations to field deployments, addressing the operational, technical, and economic challenges faced by modern electricity networks.
Recent advances in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and physics-informed data-driven modeling enable predictive maintenance, estimation, adaptive control, and self-healing capabilities. AI-based optimization and decision-making are facilitating the secure integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), electric mobility, and active customer participation.
Contributions are especially encouraged that demonstrate how AI enhances: (i) grid planning and operation under uncertainty with high shares of renewables and prosumers; (ii) resilience and self-healing via intelligent monitoring, fault diagnosis, and restoration; (iii) real-time decision support using digital twins, edge analytics, and federated learning; (iv) decarbonization strategies and multi-energy coupling with predictive/prescriptive analytics; and (v) market and flexibility mechanisms enabled by transactive energy systems and AI-driven trading.
Topics of Interest:
- AI and machine learning for network optimization, control, and forecasting
- Deep learning and hybrid models for DER and renewable integration
- AI for resilience, restoration, and self-healing distribution grids
- Data-augmented state estimation and anomaly detection
- Transactive energy systems and intelligent digital markets
- Digital twins and edge AI for real-time monitoring and operation
- AI for microgrids, virtual power plants, and energy communities
- Multi-energy system management using AI-based coordination
- Integration of electric mobility and demand response through ML
- Explainable, trustworthy, and physics-informed AI for power distribution
Important Dates
Paper submission due (Extended): 15 January 2026
Notification of acceptance: 15 February 2026
Final paper submission and early registration: 15 March, 2026
How to submit a paper
Submit a paper to the special session under this link
Organizers
