SummaryIn this study, an optimal double frequency second order generalized integrator (DFSOGI) based grid side converter control (GSC) is used for monitoring active power injection from the DFIG wind energy system as well as improving power quality at utility grid terminals. The reference DC voltage is adapted to variations in voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) that reduces the burden on the converter switches and switching losses. In addition, an intelligent control technique based on white shark optimization algorithm (WSO) is endorsed, where an objective problem is formulated to obtain the desired parameters of the controller. Finally, time‐domain simulations are conducted in MATLAB environment that demonstrate the validity of the implemented control over various operating conditions. To affirm the adequacy of the proposed control strategy, the response of DC link voltage obtained through optimal tuning is compared to the conventional one. The proposed WSO tuning outperforms traditional manual tuning pertaining to enhancing the overall performance of the DFIG system. The designed WSO gains exhibit better steady‐state and transient performance including settling time, steady‐state error, and peak of over amplitude and harmonic distortion. The grid currents' total harmonic distortion (THD) is within 5% that meets specified IEEE‐519 standard.