Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 30:04 .

Experts Advocate for Grid System Redefinition at European Energy Conference Amidst Rising Renewables Integration

The panel discussion addressed recent disruptions in Spain and Portugal, emphasizing the need for updated strategies to integrate renewables while preventing future incidents. Anser from GE Vernova critiqued traditional planning criteria like reserve margins as inadequate for modern systems experiencing new shocks, advocating a redefined approach to system adequacy that enhances resilience against unforeseen disturbances. Alex highlighted global changes in generation mix due to power electronics such as storage interfaces and EV charging stations, which complicate restoration processes—illustrated by Sri Lanka's blackout incident involving distributed solar PVs causing over-frequency issues during grid reconnection attempts. Dominik stressed standardizing electronic component parameters to prevent interference-induced oscillations and suggested integrating phase measurement units (PMUs) across Europe for real-time detection of grid perturbations. The conversation emphasized automation needs due to rapid response requirements, with Sankara reflecting on past projects exploring power electronics' influence on network protection through PMUs. Discussions also covered challenges in energy market planning regarding price signals for developers; predictable revenue can incentivize installations but may lead to occasional price spikes not accounted for in models focusing on averages rather than extremes. Anser A. Shakoor advocated incorporating grid modernization into planning alongside hardware additions. Susan raised concerns about wireless solutions amid aging grids designed decades ago—a pressing issue given Germany’s infrastructure limitations concerning battery project integration—and enhancing power flow using technologies like SmartWires’ controllers was discussed before transitioning focus towards innovation at an upcoming session.

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Speakers

Dr. Sankara Subramanian
Utility Market Leader
Saft Batteries
France

Dr. Anser A. Shakoor
Executive Leader
GE Vernova
United Kingdom

Dr. Dominik Schlipf
Team Manager System Balance
TransnetBW GmbH
Germany

Dr. Alexandre Oudalov
Manager Power Systems of the Future
Hitachi Energy Germany AG
Germany

Matthias Kuring
Senior Expert Balancing Concepts
50Hertz Transmission
Germany

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz
Director Energy Systems
Renewables Grid Initiative
Germany

Talk of session: Tackling Transmission and High-Capacity Connection Challenges

Grid planners face the complex challenge of transmitting energy from emerging renewable generation hubs to demand centers, while also addressing the growing need for high-capacity connections for storage plants, electrolyzers, and data centers. These developments present significant challenges for grid planners, grid operators, service providers and project developers. This session will explore the technical, regulatory, and logistical hurdles involved in managing these demands and examine innovative solutions to ensure reliable, efficient grid integration and future-proof energy systems. It also discusses the importance of system planning and examines how different stakeholders can contribute to optimization efforts that enable better prioritization of investments and the achievement of European goals.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Andrzej Ceglarz
Director Energy Systems
Renewables Grid Initiative
Germany

Video is not available.

No Transition Without Transmission

Speaker

Dr. Anser A. Shakoor
Executive Leader
GE Vernova
United Kingdom

To Talk

Grid Planning Optimization: How to Save Resources and Deliver on Targets

Speaker

Dr. Alexandre Oudalov
Manager Power Systems of the Future
Hitachi Energy Germany AG
Germany

To Talk

The Value of BESS as a Transmission Asset (SATA) for the Power System

Speaker

Dr. Sankara Subramanian
Utility Market Leader
Saft Batteries
France

To Talk

Evaluation of the Economic Surplus Generated by the European Balancing Platforms

Speaker

Dr. Dominik Schlipf
Team Manager System Balance
TransnetBW GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Advantages and Challenges of Balancing Power Cooperation With a Focus on Fcr Cooperation

Speaker

Matthias Kuring
Senior Expert Balancing Concepts
50Hertz Transmission
Germany

To Talk

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