Solving Energy Challenges: A Consultant's 18-Year Journey with PLEXOS®

With nearly two decades of experience using PLEXOS®, Dr. Wenxiong Huang has seen how the platform has helped solve some of the most complex energy challenges, from decarbonization strategies to the integration of AI in grid optimization.

As an independent consultant, Wenxiong has worked alongside leading utilities and consultancies to ensure energy systems can meet the demands of the future. In this blog, we explore his journey, key insights on PLEXOS innovations like Universal Class, and the powerful role of AI in the future of energy modeling.

Wenxiong’s Journey with Energy Exemplar 

Wenxiong Huang, recently credited by Energy Exemplar's Founder Dr. Glenn Drayton as an essential figure in the company's early days, began his journey with PLEXOS in 2006 when he joined the then 'PLEXOS Solutions' as a partner. Over the years, he has witnessed how the platform has grown from a specialized tool to a widely adopted platform used by industry leaders across the globe. In his interview, Wenxiong shares his observations on this growth, reflecting on how PLEXOS has become integral to energy modeling for a diverse and expanding user base. 

“It’s amazing to see how PLEXOS has grown,” Wenxiong shares. “In just a few years, the European user base [present at the Xcelerate conference] expanded from 25 to over 250 users, and in the U.S., we saw similar growth with over 350 users at the latest Orlando conference.”

Addressing the Challenges of Energy Transition  

Energy transition and decarbonization are some of the most complex challenges facing the industry today. Wenxiong has been deeply involved in addressing these issues, using PLEXOS to explore pathways that balance system reliability with cost efficiency. He discusses how PLEXOS has played a role in solving these intricate problems, making it an essential platform in his work.

Wenxiong has worked closely on projects related to hydrogen modeling, co-optimization, resource adequacy, and integrated system planning - areas where PLEXOS has proven to be invaluable. For instance, Wenxiong notes that during a recent project in the U.S., PLEXOS was key to evaluating resource adequacy while ensuring that grid reliability was maintained amid increasing renewable integration.

"The ability to model electricity, water, gas, and hydrogen systems together allows us to explore optimal pathways that meet decarbonization targets while ensuring cost-efficiency and system reliability,” he says. 

Universal Class: Enhancing Flexibility  

One of the innovations that Wenxiong highlights is the introduction of Universal Class in PLEXOS. This feature allows skilled modelers to solve a wide range of optimization problems, adapting to various industries, even those outside of power, gas and water sectors. Wenxiong sees the Universal Class as a significant enhancement to the platform’s flexibility, enabling more effective solutions across different scenarios. He says that "as long as you can formulate it, you can convert the business problem into a mathematic formulation, and you can use PLEXOS Universal Class to solve it." 

Looking Forward: AI and the Future of Energy Modeling 

As the industry evolves, so too does the technology that supports it. Wenxiong is particularly excited about the integration of AI and machine learning into PLEXOS. In his view, these advancements are transforming how energy modeling is approached, offering new ways to derive insights from vast amounts of data. 

Wenxiong points to PLEXOS’ ability to run large-scale simulations in the cloud, using AI to analyze vast amounts of data and generate actionable insights. This scalability, combined with AI’s predictive power, is a game-changer for grid optimization. “With AI, PLEXOS is no longer just an engine,” Wenxiong explains. “It’s a data platform that can process huge datasets and provide meaningful insights for smarter grid management. The future potential for AI within PLEXOS is limitless—especially when it comes to designing smarter grids that integrate renewable energy sources more efficiently.” 

He also mentions the presentation Microsoft’s Jerome Vigne gave at Energy Exemplar's Xcelerate Orlando conference on ‘Transforming the Grid with AI’, which can be watched here.

Reflecting on a Long-Standing Relationship 

Throughout his career, Wenxiong has remained a dedicated user of PLEXOS, driven by his belief in its capabilities to address real-world energy challenges. His ongoing work with Energy Exemplar reflects a shared commitment to innovation and problem-solving in the energy sector. As PLEXOS continues to evolve, it remains at the forefront of solving the industry’s most pressing challenges, from decarbonization to system reliability. Wenxiong’s journey shows how the platform can empower users to tackle these challenges head-on, especially with the integration of AI and machine learning. “The future for PLEXOS is very bright,” Wenxiong notes. “With the capabilities it has today, combined with AI’s potential, we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible in the next 25 years.” 

Watch the full interview below and explore more customer testimonials on our YouTube channel.