Huawei highlights automation and AI as pillars of modern power grids
Huawei has outlined how automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are reshaping power grids as utilities adapt to renewable energy and rising electricity demand.
By Newz.africa | Technology Desk | Barcelona | 22 January 2026 | Updated 22 January 2026, 19:25 GMT+2 | Huawei power grid AI automation
Huawei has positioned automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence as central technologies for the future of power grids. The company warns that global electricity systems must modernise rapidly to remain stable amid rising demand and the energy transition.
The technology firm made the case during discussions ahead of Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, citing a growing number of large-scale power outages and the accelerating integration of renewable energy into national grids. [efficacynews.africa]
According to Huawei, more than ten major blackouts in 2025 affected over 1.2 billion people worldwide, underlining vulnerabilities in existing electricity infrastructure.
Huawei’s vision for modern power grids
Jason Li, President of Global Marketing and Solutions at Huawei’s Electric Power Digitalisation unit, said power grids are moving away from passive transmission networks and becoming active systems that manage decentralised energy generation and electrification.
He argued that while automation has long supported grid operations, digitalisation and AI are now core components rather than optional upgrades.
Huawei says integrating telecommunications technology and AI into power infrastructure can improve grid stability. It also adds flexibility to manage unpredictable energy flows from renewables such as solar and wind. [fullview.co.za]
AI and digitalisation in energy distribution
A major focus of Huawei’s approach is the distribution network. The company describes this as a pressure point as rooftop solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging expand.
Large volumes of distributed photovoltaic systems and new loads are increasing the complexity of low-voltage networks. This complexity is particularly evident at the 400-volt level, which is used by households and small businesses. [africannewspage.net]
Huawei and its partners have developed what it calls an Intelligent Distribution Solution to address this. It is designed to improve low-voltage visibility, which allows utilities to monitor and manage networks in real time.
Power grid digitalisation and carbon goals
Huawei links grid modernisation directly to climate targets. It argues that clean energy expansion depends on more intelligent and adaptable electricity systems.
Countries are pursuing carbon neutrality and are also electrifying transport and industry. As a result, grids must handle fluctuating supply and demand without compromising reliability, the company says. [techdailypost.co.za]
Digital tools, including AI-driven analytics and remote inspection technologies, are being positioned as ways to reduce downtime and help predict faults and optimise maintenance across power plants and substations. [digitalstreetsa.com]
Huawei at Mobile World Congress 2026
Huawei is expected to showcase its latest power digitalisation technologies at Mobile World Congress 2026. These include AI-powered systems for electricity distribution, as well as systems for substations and power plant inspections. [efficacynews.africa]
The company says it is targeting utility providers that face rising pressure to deliver reliable electricity and must also support renewable energy growth and electrification at scale.
Sources
What was confirmed
- Huawei has outlined automation, digitalisation and AI as key technologies for modernising power grids.
- The company will present power digitalisation solutions at Mobile World Congress 2026.
Who was cited
- Jason Li, Huawei Electric Power Digitalisation.
Documents and materials reviewed
- African Media Agency distributed release.
- Coverage published by Africa.com and regional media platforms.
Primary artefact
- African Media Agency press release issued 20 January 2026.
Outreach log
- No direct response from Huawei beyond published statements.
Source:
[techdailypost.co.za] | [efficacynews.africa] | [africannewspage.net]
