CRAFT launch brings academia and industry together to discuss the future of electrification
The Centre for Research in AI-Electric Future Technologies (CRAFT), an Electronics and Computer Science centre at the University of Southampton, held its launch event, bringing together researchers and industry representatives to discuss the main challenges facing electrification and identify opportunities for useful collaboration.
CRAFT Director Efstratios Batzelis opened the programme. Thomas Björk, Research and Innovation Leader at GE Vernova, then gave the first keynote, examining the practical needs of an evolving electricity grid. He argued that modernisation offers important benefits, but unresolved barriers will require new approaches and whole-system thinking.
CRAFT Co-Director Sebastian Stein introduced one-minute lightning talks from researchers across the centre. Members from Southampton's Electrical Power Engineering Research Group, outlined challenges including the expansion of electrical systems, whole-system integration, the AI-energy paradox and energy sovereignty. Table discussions and a lunchtime poster session followed. Fariba Dehghan received the audience poster prize, while Ezhilarasi Periyathambi received the board poster prize.
Daniel Fung, Head of Strategy at Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, discussed funding for electrification projects and practical routes from research to commercial application. Dr Alan Whitehead, Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, presented the department's vision for electrification and net zero by 2050, highlighting challenges around grid infrastructure, renewable intermittency and public perception.
The event concluded with a panel featuring the keynote speakers, Joe Stonham from the Aerospace Technology Institute and Red Blaylock from iNetic Ltd, chaired by Bahareh Zaghari. Discussion focused on risk management, technical talent in the UK and public debate around net zero. CRAFT plans further events to support collaboration across academia, industry and government.