Grid systems that move away from power plants with synchronous spinning turbines need a strategy for addressing the loss of inertia. Better situational awareness can help, as can incentives to encourage the retention and production of inertia. This OIES paper looks at British and Nordic experiences and responses, and outlines what to watch for - so that the coming century, like the last one, is marked by a central role for reliable electric supply.

This report is part of the IEA’s expanding work analysing the deepening ties between energy and AI. It builds on the Global Conference on Energy and AI the IEA hosted in December 2024 – the largest conference on this topic to date – and the Agency’s contributions to the AI Action Summit chaired by France and India in February.