Dear Colleague,
In this edition of In the Loop, we are pleased to present three articles highlighting approaches to different aspects of power systems:
- Energy Sectors Integration and the Impact on Power Grids
- Application of VSC HVDC in a System Black Start Restoration
- Sustainable Corridor Management: A Guide to Balancing Power Needs and Environmental Stewardship
Readers intending to attend the 2026 Paris Session between August 23 -29, 2026 are reminded that earlybird registrations close 31 May. All indications are that this will be a fantastic Session, with around 60 papers accepted from Australian authors and over 1600 globally. To register click here.
We hope you find this edition interesting.
Best regards
Peter McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer
CIGRE Australia
Phil Southwell
Technical Editor
ENERGY SECTORS INTEGRATION AND IMPACT ON POWER GRIDS
As the world transitions to a low carbon economy, Technical Brochure (TB) 973 prepared by Working Group (WG) C1.47, examines Energy Sector Integration (ESI), current practices and opportunities to advance the coordinated planning and operation of energy systems, including electricity, gas, heating and cooling, transport, and emerging hydrogen systems.
23 members from 14 different countries contributed to WG C1.47, with Australian C1 Convener, Christian Schaeffer representing Australia.
APPLICATION OF VSC HVDC IN A SYSTEM BLACK START RESTORATION
Blackouts, although infrequent, can cause widespread disruption to infrastructure, economic activity, and public safety. Because of these risks, transmission system operators must establish robust Black Start Restoration (BSR) procedures to recover generation and restore electricity supply as quickly and safely as possible.
Working Group B4.94 has produced Technical Brochure (TB) 981, Application of VSC HVDC in a System Black Start Restoration. This examines how Voltage Source Converter High Voltage Direct Current (VSC HVDC) technology can support the restoration of electrical power systems following a major blackout.
SUSTAINABLE CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT: A GUIDE TO BALANCING POWER NEEDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Study Committee C3 has recently published Technical Brochure (TB) 966 relating to working group (WG) 3.09 on Sustainable Corridor Management.
The technical brochure presents the culmination of
work spanning a number of years. Participation across a number of countries included responding to surveys and contributing to the TB.