Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for Planning, Operating, and Restoring Sustainable Distribution Systems: Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Grids Through Data-Driven Intelligence

Driven by Climate Changes and the Global energy demand growth, transitioning to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy is one of the most pressing challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data (BDA) are revolutionizing the energy sector by accelerating renewable energy integration, enabling more intelligent energy management, enhancing grid resilience, and reducing industry carbon footprints. This article explores how AI and BDA are leveraged to optimize power distribution grid planning, operation, and restoration to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and reliability of distribution systems. Specifically, the following topics are discussed: (1) emerging AI and BDA technologies for anticipating sustainable energy integration trend and maximizing renewable energy interconnection; (2) advanced forecast, energy management and control strategies methods using AI and BDA that exploit the carbon-free feature of renewable energy; and (3) leveraging AI and BDA to enhance grid resilience in response to extreme weather events and large-scale blackouts. We show that with vast amounts of data, AI and BDA technologies can help engineers, operators, and policymakers develop sustainable planning, operation, and restoration strategies, ensuring a more efficient, resilient, and low-carbon future.