Introduction: In this episode of Unlocking the Energy Trilemma, hosts Jose A. Martinez and Ravi Krishnan speak with Dlzar Al Kez from the University of Manchester about the emerging challenge of invisible megawatts. They discuss about the unseen impact of AI data centers, hydrogen electrolyzers, and other heavy digital loads on grid stability. Dlzar explains why invisible megawatts and outdated grid rules threaten reliability. He also talks about how smarter visibility, resilience, and regulatory reform are required to achieve true net zero.

Questions

Can you share with us one fact or figure about the Energy Trilemma that you find particularly interesting and worth highlighting for the audience?
Considering the Spain-Portugal blackout, where low inertia and grid-following inverters hindered recovery, how do you see these invisible big loads compounding the grid instability issues?
Energy security is now becoming national security, sitting above electricity prices and sustainability. After the example of the Spanish blackout, do you think net zero is still feasible for different countries?
How should grid operators adapt visibility tools and forecasting systems to regain control?
Strengthening the modern power grid requires building three key pillars: real-time situational awareness, local resilience, and controllable flexibility resources. To build those three pillars, you need a lot of money. And probably some of those investments will result in higher tariffs or electricity prices. Do you think we are mentally prepared for that? Are our politicians preparing citizens to understand that, in some cases, fixing the energy trilemma means paying more for electricity?
How can we ensure that invisible mega loads, such as AI data centers and electrolyzers, strengthen the grid instead of destabilizing it?
If you had a magic wand to unlock the energy trilemma, what single chain would you use it for?