CIGRE Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Brown as Chair of the international CIGRE Study Committee C6, which focuses on Active Distribution Systems and Distributed Energy Resources (DER). The appointment recognises Ray’s extensive technical expertise, long-standing contribution to the electricity supply industry and his significant service to CIGRE at both national and international levels. Ray will take over the role in August, after this year’s CIGRE Paris Session.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the power industry, Ray is widely regarded as a leading authority on distribution systems. An electrical power engineer based in Sydney, he runs his own consultancy and has worked across utilities, government agencies and the private sector.
His contribution to the profession was formally recognised in 2024, when he was named both a CIGRE Distinguished Member and a recipient of the CIGRE Technical Council Award. He is also a Senior Member of the IEEE.
Ray sees the role as a significant professional opportunity and a responsibility with global impact.
“Being a Study Committee Chair will be a great opportunity to work with people from all around the world on issues that are important not only to the electricity supply industry but to society more generally. It will provide an opportunity to help influence the technical direction of CIGRE and its increased focus on distribution systems.”
Ray brings a strong perspective to the role. He currently convenes CIGRE Advisory Group AG C6.02 Quality Review and has previously served as the convenor of CIGRE Australia’s C6 mirror panel, giving him a strong understanding of both the technical substance and the collaborative processes that underpin CIGRE’s work.
Australian Expertise Supporting Global Outcomes
While Ray’s appointment is fantastic news for the CIGRE Australia National Committee, he is careful to emphasise the neutral role of a Study Committee Chair.
“The Chair of a Study Committee is not meant to represent their country but rather be a neutral entity who can take into account the various views from different countries and represent the overall CIGRE position.”
He also acknowledges the important role of Australia’s formal representative on the CIGRE Australia panel led by convenor Jenny Gannon, which mirrors and supports the work of the international Study Committee.
That said, Australia’s experience with distributed energy resources provides valuable insights for global discussions. As one of the world’s leaders in rooftop solar PV and battery deployment, Australia has encountered challenges well ahead of many other jurisdictions.
“Australia is one of the countries at the forefront of installing distributed energy resources such as rooftop PV and battery systems. As such, Australia encounters a lot of issues before they are experienced in other countries, and we thus have a lot of practical experience we can share.”
Ray points to real-world examples where Australian networks have led the way, including voltage management challenges arising from high levels of distributed generation and the development of dynamic operating envelopes to maximise DER hosting capacity while maintaining system security.
Global Challenges and Unprecedented Opportunity
Looking ahead, Ray sees both immense challenges and transformative opportunities for distribution systems worldwide.
“One of the most important challenges will be to integrate the volumes of DER into distribution networks that will be required to replace fossil-fuelled generation in a cost-effective manner.”
At the same time, he highlights the broader societal benefits of this transition.
“The installation of DER represents an unparalleled opportunity to decarbonise the electricity supply, for consumers to have greater control over their energy use and for them to be more actively involved.”
Electrification is another major driver reshaping distribution systems, with increased demand expected from sectors traditionally supplied by other fuels.
“Another challenge will be the increased load on distribution systems from the electrification of sectors such as heating, as gas is replaced by electricity, and the roll-out of electric vehicles instead of diesel or petrol-powered vehicles.”
Finally, Ray underscores a global challenge that remains central to CIGRE’s mission.
“A third challenge is to provide electricity supply to the in excess of 700 million people worldwide who presently have no or only limited access to a reliable electricity supply.”
Leading Global Collaboration
As Chair of Study Committee C6, Ray will lead international collaboration on some of the most critical technical and societal issues facing the power system today. His appointment strengthens CIGRE’s focus on active distribution systems and DER at a time when distribution networks are becoming central to the global energy transition.
CIGRE Australia once again congratulates Ray on his appointment and looks forward to the leadership, insight and global perspective he will bring to the role.