French utility Engie SA is partnering with Google Cloud to optimize the value of its wind portfolio on the short-term power markets through the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based energy solution. The initiative is an extension of Google’s in-house research that reportedly leads to increased revenues by scheduling hourly wind-power commitments to the grid up to one day in advance.

The AI pilot will be aimed at predicting how much wind power should be sold on which power market and at what price. Given the complexity of the short-term power markets and unpredictability of wind generation, the task will require the collection and analysis of a significant volume of data.

According to Larry Cochrane, global energy solutions director at Google Cloud, “More accurate data and predictions of wind power production will be valuable to electricity grids, creating benefits for consumers and making wind more competitive with fossil fuels.”

The AI solution will make use of performant and scalable data system as well as advanced machine learning algorithms to support decision making processes. Once completed, the project is expected to benefit wind facilities worldwide with increased forecasting capabilities using AI.