In the rapidly evolving energy sector, a groundbreaking review published in the journal *Energies* (translated from the Greek as “Energies”) is shedding light on how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is transforming the way we manage energy systems, buildings, and urban environments. Led by Dimitrios Vamvakas from the Information Technologies Institute in Thessaloniki, Greece, the research offers a comprehensive look at how GenAI is enhancing efficiency, adaptability, and user-centric interaction in the energy domain.
The study, which systematically reviews literature from 2021 to 2025, highlights how GenAI is being applied across various sectors, from smart buildings to power grids and urban systems. “GenAI is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer,” Vamvakas explains. “It’s enabling us to forecast energy needs more accurately, detect anomalies in power networks, and even create synthetic data to support decision-making in data-scarce environments.”
One of the most compelling aspects of the research is its focus on smart buildings. GenAI is empowering autonomous agents and AI copilots to balance comfort with energy efficiency. Imagine a building that learns your preferences and adjusts its environmental controls accordingly, all while optimizing energy use. This is not just a futuristic concept; it’s a reality that’s being implemented today.
At the grid level, GenAI is improving renewable generation forecasting and grid stability. “This technology is helping operators make better decisions, ensuring that our energy systems are more resilient and efficient,” Vamvakas notes. The review also underscores the potential of GenAI in smart cities, where digital twins and conversational interfaces are facilitating sustainable planning and energy-aware citizen engagement.
However, the research also identifies key challenges that need to be addressed. Uncertainty quantification, trustworthy deployment, and data governance are areas that require further attention. “We need to ensure that these systems are secure, adaptive, and human-centered,” Vamvakas emphasizes.
The implications of this research are vast. As the energy sector continues to evolve, GenAI is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future. By aligning technological solutions with human needs and sustainability objectives, GenAI can drive the next generation of intelligent energy management.
This review, published in *Energies*, provides a roadmap for understanding the current and potential applications of GenAI in the energy sector. It’s a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate and harness the power of GenAI for a more sustainable and efficient energy future. As Vamvakas puts it, “The future of energy is not just about technology; it’s about people. And GenAI is a powerful tool to bring us closer to that vision.”