The artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for enabling distributed energy resource integration is growing so fast it could double itself in seven years and reach close to half a billion dollars per year by the end of the decade.

A new report from research firm Guidehouse Insights analyzed the potential for AI-enabled DER integration and predicted 10 percent annual growth rates topping more than $480 million by 2030.

“The proliferation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), or smart meters, the influx of data for more advanced planning and operation of the grid, and the increasing capacity of DER requiring advanced communication networks and two-way power flows are reshaping the way the distribution grid operates,” said Hannah Davis, senior research analyst with Guidehouse Insights. “AI for DER integration can drive benefits for utilities through better load and generation forecasting tools, grid optimization and network planning tools, and power quality management.”

As the number of networked sensors and demand-side devices, such as smart inverters and smart thermostats, has dramatically increased, so has the amount of data that utilities receive. With technology advancements and the rapid deployment of connected devices, utilities are uncovering more innovative ways to utilize their data, Guidehouse Insights noted in its report.

Evolving rulemaking at the state and federal levels can also drive the growth of DER integration. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Rule 2222, passed about a year ago, paves the way for potential introduction of aggregated DERs into the wholesale energy markets.

Experts from Electric Power Research Institute, FirstEnergy Corp. and system operator PJM Operator will be part of a POWERGEN+ online session Wednesday analyzing the potential impacts of FERC Order 2222. The 45-minute Plus session begins at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time (11:30 a.m. Central).

Other POWERGEN+ sessions focus on microgrids, AI-driven DER integration examples and modular on-site gen-sets. Stanley Consultants, Black & Veatch, Southern Co. CPower Energy Management, Duke Energy and other utility DER ventures are part of the sessions.

CPower Energy Management will be joined by project partners Scale Microgrid and Amply to discuss various microgrid and EV infrastructure developments on Thursday. That session begins at 11:30 a.m. Eastern (10:30 CT).

Registration is free and sessions are available on demand for a year after the live event.