Can We Trust AI to Run the Grid? From Data Infrastructure to Operational Intelligence

Christoph Scharfenort has worked in various positions in the energy market for over 20 years. He is currently responsible for sales and business development of energy solutions for Analog Device in the DACH region. Previously, as Managing Director of Sales and Business Development, he led the development of new business areas, including energy solutions, at a medium-sized company with approximately 400 employees.

With relevant experience in the electricity sector, he has dedicated much of its activity to innovation, business development, technology and transformation, while actively contributing to the development of European energy policies and their practical translation into digital and smart grids and their contribution to a consumer and community-centred energy transition. He is currently Director of European Policies and Projects at E-REDES, the DSO in mainland Portugal, responsible for the coordination of European activities and funded projects. He is a board member of the EU DSO Entity, Vice-Chair of ETIP SNET, and an active member, since its foundation, of E.DSO (formerly EDSO for Smart Grids). He also actively participates in European forums and platforms related to the energy sector.

Smaran Subbaiah B.G. is an AI Product Manager at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, working at the intersection of electrification, grid operations, and digital technologies. He has over 18 years of experience in product management and software engineering. He focuses on applying AI and advanced software to improve the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of energy infrastructure.Smaran is closely involved in the development of AI enabled solutions for energy infrastructure operators. His work spans product strategy, customer discovery, validation and Go to Market, translating real operational pain points into scalable digital solutions.Smaran collaborates closely with utilities, large industrial customers, and cross functional teams across the globe, combining a strong technical background with a product market perspective

Diya Achi holds a background in mechanical engineering with a specialisation in energy systems, and a strong focus on data-driven analysis. Since 2022, she has been working as an R&D Data Scientist at CSEM, a Swiss technology innovation centre dedicated to developing and transferring world-class technologies to industry. At CSEM, she has led and contributed to a broad range of projects spanning DER flexibility estimation, power grid simulation, and the development of imbalance forecasting services. With a career built at the intersection of energy and data science, Diya aims to accelerate a smarter, more flexible energy future.

Christiane Mann is a seasoned global Strategy and Marketing Leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of clean energy transition and smart buildings. Currently serving as Head of Industry Affairs for Siemens Smart Infrastructure, she plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable futures by bridging strategy, technology, and policy. Siemens Smart Infrastructure is a global leader combining real and digital worlds across energy systems, buildings, and industries. The division's cutting-edge products, systems, and solutions enhance energy efficiency, accelerate the transition to renewables and decentralized power generation, and ensure resilient, reliable power supply. At T&D Europe, the European association of grid technology manufacturers, Christiane is the chair of the working group Grid Digitalization. Previously, she was Chairwoman of smartEn, the European association of the Flexible Demand Management Industry, and she served on the Board of eClass, an industry consortium for data classification standards. Christiane holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Bonn.