Microsoft technology is helping Queensland energy provider Stanwell use AI to make faster, smarter and more reliable decisions as Australia’s energy landscape becomes increasingly complex.
Stanwell, a government-owned utility, is one of Queensland’s largest energy generators, supplying more than a third of the state’s electricity while expanding into wind, solar and battery storage. To navigate a rapidly evolving energy market, the organisation developed the Stanwell Modelling Platform (SMP) using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft AI services to strengthen forecasting, trading and battery optimisation.
The AI-powered platform analyses large volumes of operational, weather and market data in real time, enabling Stanwell to model thousands of scenarios and adapt more quickly to changing grid conditions.
The results have been significant. By using AI to optimise when large-scale battery systems charge and discharge, Stanwell improved asset performance by more than 200 per cent. Forecasting accuracy during peak demand periods increased by 30 per cent, while simulations that once took hours now run up to 15 times faster and at significantly lower cost. Over time, gains like these can help strengthen grid reliability and support more affordable electricity.
“Yes, it improves our trading confidence, but it also means we’re capturing affordable renewable energy and using it when demand peaks. That’s good for everyone – it eases pressure on prices and cuts waste. It’s a smarter use of the resources we already have.”
– Kevin Lin, Chief Information Officer, Stanwell
What began as a small machine learning experiment within Stanwell’s trading team has evolved into a broader operational capability spanning forecasting, trading, asset optimisation and safety processes. By combining Microsoft’s AI and cloud technologies with deep operational expertise, Stanwell demonstrates how AI can modernise critical infrastructure, strengthen energy resilience and support Australia’s transition to a lower-emissions future.
“We didn’t want this to be a siloed science project, it had to tie into everything – data pipelines, reporting tools, user access controls – so that the insights flow to where decisions are made.”
– Kevin Lin, Chief Information Officer, Stanwell