Smart Grids: Integrating AI for Efficient Renewable Energy Utilization

The urgent global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources necessitates innovative solutions to address energy system management challenges. Smart grids, equipped with sophisticated infrastructures, play a crucial role in this transition. This study integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into smart grids to enhance their efficiency and reliability, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research utilizes historical and real-time data, applying machine learning algorithms such as Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Long ShortxTerm Memory (LSTM) for predictive accuracy in energy management. Optimization techniques like Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are also implemented for resource scheduling and grid balancing. The results demonstrate significant improvements, with an 11.76% increase in energy efficiency and grid stability, a 66.67% reduction in prediction errors, and a 20% decrease in operational costs compared to conventional systems. These enhancements highlight the transformative potential of AI in smart grids, promoting more efficient and sustainable energy utilization. The study concludes that AI-driven smart grids are pivotal in achieving the SDGs by providing scalable and efficient solutions for renewable energy integration, thereby fostering sustainable development and reducing environmental impacts.