This proceedings book contains select chapters on the integration of digital intelligence across the entire energy value chain, encompassing generation, transmission, distribution and end-use. Chapters are presented at the Second International Conference on Digital Intelligence for Energy Systems held at Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Australia, from 7 to 9 October 2026. Emphasizing sustainable applications, the book directly addresses topics related to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Particular emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches to the complex challenges of modern energy systems, including renewable integration, demand flexibility, smart grid operation and consumer engagement. 

Through a combination of theoretical studies, methodological developments and real-world case analyses, the book highlights the potential of digital intelligence to enhance efficiency, resilience and sustainability. Chapters showcase state-of-the-art research and practical applications that demonstrate how digital tools, such as advanced modelling, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and smart sensing, can transform energy system operation and planning. It also provides insights into policy, regulatory and market implications, underscoring the multidimensional nature of digital intelligence in energy transitions. The conference provided a global platform for academics, researchers, industry practitioners, government representatives and leaders of professional societies to present and discuss advances at the intersection of digital technologies and energy systems.

Zhenjun Ma is Professor and Director of the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre at the University of Wollongong, Australia. His research covers digital technologies, distributed energy, thermal storage and demand flexibility in buildings. He has led numerous projects aimed at decarbonising the built environment and integrating buildings into low-carbon energy systems. He is Associate Editor of the Solar Energy and Energy for Sustainable Development journal and serves on editorial boards of Energy Conversion and Management, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, and Energy Sources, Part A, journals. He is also Managing Editor of Springer’s Mathematics for Sustainable Development series. His awards include fellowships from JSPS and the Australian Government, an Innovation Award from the World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies and two HVAC&R Research Awards from AIRAH. He plays a key role in global collaborations, especially through IEA-EBC Annexes on demand flexibility.

Jun Shen is Full Professor in the School of Computing and Information Technology at the University of Wollongong, Australia, where he has previously served as Head of Postgraduate Studies and Chair of the School Research Committee. He is Senior Member of IEEE, ACM and ACS and is also IEEE Distinguished Lecturer. He has authored over 480 publications in leading journals and conferences across computer science and information technology. His research expertise spans computational intelligence, bioinformatics, cloud computing and learning technologies, including MOOCs. He has served as Editor, Program Committee Chair, Guest Editor and Program Committee Member for numerous journals and conferences published by IEEE, ACM, Elsevier and Springer. Professor Shen was also Member of the ACM/AIS Task Force on Curriculum MSIS 2016. His work has appeared in highly ranked journals, including ACM Computing Surveys, more than 20 different IEEE Transactions, Briefings in Bioinformatics, International Journal of Information Management, SIGKDD, ICML.

Linda Fu Xiao is Professor and Associate Dean at the Faculty of Construction and Environment, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is a Fellow of ASHRAE and IBPSA. Her research focuses on smart buildings and energy system management, with expertise in dynamic modelling, optimal control, diagnostics, and applying AI and big data for energy-efficient, resilient buildings. She has received numerous awards, including the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Funding,  President’s Award for Knowledge Transfer,  ASHRAE Technology Award and multiple best paper honours. Prof. Xiao is Associate Editor of Building Simulation and Subject Editor of Advances in Applied Energy. Her work has been widely adopted in both new and existing buildings, delivering substantial energy savings.

Dr Subbu Sethuvenkatraman is an Honorary Professor at the University of Wollongong and a researcher at CSIRO’s Energy division, with more than 25 years of experience in clean energy research and development, he has led the development of innovative energy solutions with a particular emphasis on digital technologies and data-driven approaches. His current research focuses on ways to integrate distributed energy resources within buildings into the electricity grid, enabling building-to-grid interactions and supporting the transition to a net-zero energy system. He has extensive expertise in building energy performance, demand flexibility, smart energy systems, and digital infrastructure for the built environment. Dr Sethuvenkatraman serves as an Associate Editor of the ASME Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Buildings and Cities and is the Co-Operating Agent for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC) Annex 96: Grid-Integrated Control of Buildings, an international research collaboration focused on enabling buildings to operate as flexible, grid-responsive energy assets.