CIGRE UK Study Committees C1 & C6 Technical Liaison Meeting 2026

AGENDA

10:00 – 10:30 | Welcome and Introductions

Introduction to Study Committees C1 & C6: Bless Kuri and Professor Jun Liang

Power System Development and Economics CIGRE C1 Activities in the UK: CIGRE Study Committee C1 covers Power System Development and Economics. The presentation will report the relevant activities in these areas in the UK and contribution to the overall CIGRE C1. These include academic researches, industrial innovation, CIGRE Working Groups, and Preferential Subjects for CIGRE Paris Sessions.

Active distribution systems and distributed energy resources CIGRE C6 Activities in the UK: CIGRE Study Committee C6 covers Active distribution systems and distributed energy resources. The presentation will report the relevant activities in these areas in the UK and contribution to the overall CIGRE C6. These include academic researches, industrial innovation, CIGRE Working Groups, and Preferrential Subjects for CIGRE Paris Sessions.

Introduction to CIGRE UK and its Sections (WiE/NGN/University Hubs): Mark Kent, SP Energy Networks

This presentation provides an overview of CIGRE UK’s Next Generation Network (NGN) and introduces the role of the Glasgow Hub in supporting its mission. It highlights the UK NGN as a dynamic community for early-career professionals interested in power systems. The NGN promotes technical development, industry engagement, and international collaboration through conferences, webinars, working groups, and publications. Members gain exposure to key industry themes including renewable integration, digitalisation, network resilience, and the wider energy transition. The presentation also emphasises the benefits of active participation. NGN members access valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and global knowledge-sharing platforms. They are also encouraged to contribute to technical papers and workshops, helping shape industry best practices while enhancing their professional development.
The Glasgow Hub is introduced as a new regional extension of the NGN, providing a local platform for engagement in Scotland. It connects students and professionals across academia and industry, supporting collaboration through events, technical talks, and site visits. The session concludes by encouraging involvement in both NGN and Glasgow Hub activities to support career growth, expand professional networks, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

10:30 – 11:10 | Part 1: The Future of Distribution Networks and Innovation in Flexibility Solutions

 Presenters

Title TBC – Catherine Winning, Head of Future Networks, SSE Plc

Transforming Distribution Networks with Intelligent Real-time Grid-Edge Technologies – Tianning Xu, Chief Technology Officer, IONATE Energy

As electricity systems transition towards Net Zero, distribution networks are facing increasing pressure from the growth of distributed energy resources, electrification of demand, aging infrastructure, and changing power flows. These challenges require new ways to manage network constraints and make better use of existing infrastructure.

This presentation will explore how grid-edge technologies can provide real-time visibility, control, and flexibility across distribution networks. By deploying integrated hardware and software solutions, system operators can improve power stability, power quality, and network efficiency while managing constraints and unlocking additional network capacity. The presentation will also show how these technologies support the decentralisation of energy systems, enable the integration of low-carbon technologies, and improve coordination between transmission and distribution networks.

11:10 – 11:20 | Break

 11:20 – 12:00 | Part 2: System Planning and Innovation for Integrated Transmission–Distribution Networks

 Presenters

Understanding the Transmission Constraints Challenge in GB – Callum MacIver, Research Fellow at University of Strathclyde

This presentation will explore the recent drivers of high thermal constraints within the GB transmission system and investigate options for addressing the challenge in the short to medium term.

An overview of NGED innovation projects to facilitate the adoption of low carbon technologies – Greg Shirley, Innovation Engineer, National Grid

The presentation will provide an overview of previous and ongoing innovation projects from National Grid Electricity Distribution with a focus on projects that facilitate the adoption of low carbon technologies within the electricity distribution network. Projects discussed will include those that analyse the impact of LCT’s on the low and medium voltage networks and the solutions required to enable integration of the LCT’s required for net zero.

12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch

12:45 – 13:30 | Part 3: Electrification and Practical Challenges in Network Integration

Presenters

Title TBC – Dr Zhongbei Tian, Associate Professor in Transport Energy Systems, University of Birmingham

How the Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan Strengthens Distribution Future Energy Scenarios – Margi Shah, Senior Engineer, Scottish Power Network

Electricity networks are central to the Net Zero transition. By 2050, rising demand, rapid growth in distributed generation, and increasing storage deployment will place far greater pressure on distribution networks than they were originally designed for. Understanding how and where this change will occur is essential for planning timely, efficient and coordinated investment. This is the role of the Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES): to map credible pathways to Net Zero and highlight the locations and technologies that will drive future network needs.

The publication of the Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (tRESP) by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) in January 2026 marks a major shift in how Great Britain approaches future energy planning. It introduces a consistent national framework for assumptions, pathways and strategic needs, creating a shared evidence base for assessing future demand, generation and flexibility requirements. As a result, this year’s DFES is strongly shaped by the tRESP and reflects its whole system, regionally focused approach.

The presentation will outline what DFES is, what the tRESP introduces, and how the two processes now work together. It will show how the tRESP strengthens DFES by improving consistency, enhancing spatial insight and creating a clearer bridge between national decarbonisation goals and local network planning.

13:30 – 14:00 | Panel Discussion – Combined D/T Power System Planning to Facilitate Net Zero

Presenters

• Dr Lois Efe (moderator) and all speakers

14:00 – 15:00 | Breakout Working Group Reports – C1 & C6 breakout sessions chaired by Kuri Bless & Prof Jun Liang

• Introduction
• Presentation of current working group progress
• Specific questions for discussion
• Key challenges and barriers
• Feedback on current findings
• Regional or practical insights
• Suggestions for improvements or additions

15:00 – 16:00 | Closing Remarks, Group Photo and Networking

Meeting Details

📅 Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 | 10.00 – 16:00

📍 Location: James Watt South Building, Engineering Way University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ

Registration Fees

There is a modest charge of £25+VAT per person to secure your place to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to network with attendees at the end of the event. 

Students attendance is free of charge however to secure student registration you MUST use your ac.org email.

Meeting Compliance

Please note that when registering you will be asked to confirm that you understand CIGRE’s Meeting Compliance Regulations (this is a mandatory requirement). To review a summary of these regulations click the following link:

https://www.cigre.org/userfiles/files/About/CIGRE_Compliance_Regulations_Guidelines.pdf

 Speaker Bios

Dr Callum MacIver is a Research Fellow in the Advanced Electrical Systems group at the University of Strathclyde focusing on power system operation, configuration and market design in a rapidly decarbonizing GB power system. He is also affiliated with the UK Energy Research Centre and in recent years he has engaged closely with industry and government stakeholders to provide independent evidence in respect of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements and the ongoing Reformed National Pricing program.

Born in India, Margi Shah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Power Systems. She began her career as a research fellow and lecturer, contributing to academic and industry focused power system studies before moving to the UK to pursue her PhD at Cardiff University. Her doctoral research focuses on enhancing grid sustainability through demand side flexibility, applying artificial intelligence and data driven methods to support a smarter, more resilient electricity network. Margi joined SP Energy Networks in 2025 as a Senior Engineer in Distribution Network Planning & Regulation. She works on Distribution Future Energy Scenarios, developing long term demand and generation forecasts across SPEN’s licence areas. She also works on intervention planning and authors Engineering Justification Papers, where she undertakes strategic network option assessments to identify future constraints, evaluate solutions, and shape SPEN’s investment strategy. She is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council UK and a member of the IET. Within CIGRE UK, Margi serves as the Technical Team Lead for the Next Generation Network (NGN) Mentorship Programme and actively supports diversity initiatives through Women in Energy (WiE). She is also an NGN representative on the C1 Technical Panel. Margi is passionate about power system planning and is committed to delivering future proof, net zero aligned network solutions that enable a sustainable energy transition.

Lois Efe is an emerging leader in electrical engineering, passionate about unlocking the untapped potential of modern energy infrastructure. She currently serves as a Flexibility Scheduling Engineer at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, applying her expertise to drive innovation in energy systems. Lois earned her PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester’s Power System and Energy Group, where her research focused on optimised demand-side flexibility and its impact on the operation of smart grids in 2025. Throughout her PhD, she published multiple research papers, contributing to advancements in power systems. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with First-Class Honours from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree in Electrical Power Systems from the University of Manchester, where she was awarded the Best Student Prize. Beyond academia, Lois is a dedicated educator and a Fellow of Advanced Higher Education, reflecting her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers. Driven by impact and community, Lois actively volunteers with international organisations including CIGRE UK NGN as University hub coordinator, IEEE PES Women in Power UK/Ireland as Vice chair, and the Secretary, CIGRE UK Study committee C6. She is a true trailblazer, breaking barriers and fostering collaboration across the engineering community.

Greg Shirley is an innovation and deployment engineer at National Grid Electricity Distribution. He has been in the electricity industry for 9 years with a constant focus on innovation to improve network reliability and resilience while contributing toward net zero. Greg’s focus areas include improving network reliability and asset management practices as well as increasing network capacity to facilitate low carbon technologies.

Dr. Tianning Xu is currently the CTO of IONATE, a company developing Hybrid Intelligent Transformers (HIT) that enable smarter, more resilient, and more efficient electricity grids. Tianning is a Chartered Engineer with over 20 years of experience in power electronics, electrification, and sustainable energy technologies. He holds a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Nottingham and is a member of the IET. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary engineering teams across HVDC systems, EV charging infrastructure, transport electrification, and smart grid technologies at organisations such as Turntide Technologies, ChargePoint, and GE Renewable Energy. Tianning is passionate about developing innovative technologies that support the global transition to a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable energy future.

Jun Liang is a Chair Professor at Cardiff University. He has over 30 years’ experience in renewable energy, DC transmission/distribution, power electronic converter control, power system operation and electrified transport. He has obtained research funding over £22M, including £11M external funding in 37 projects. He is the Coordinator and Scientist-in-Charge of three EC Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Action ITN/ETN/DN projects (total €12M, 2013-2026). He also leads several major UKRI projects. He has published over 310 papers, 2 books in IEEE/Wiley, and 5 book chapters. He has supervised 35 PhD students and 15 post-doctoral researchers. He is the CIGRE C6 UK Regular Member, an IEEE Fellow and an IET Fellow, an Organising Committee member of the IET ACDC conferences, Technical Secretary of the CIGRE WG B4-60, C6/B4-37, Committee member of the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Committee member of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a Senior Editor of IEEE Transaction on Sustainable Energy.

Mark Kent is a Lead Engineer at SP Energy Networks, specialising in distribution network planning and customer connections. In his current role, he is leading the development of the RIIO-ED3 Load-Related Engineering Plan, helping to shape investment strategies that support network growth, decarbonisation, and the integration of low-carbon technologies across the distribution system. Alongside his professional role, Mark is actively involved in CIGRE UK and contributes to the global power systems community. He serves as the UK’s International Next Generation Network (NGN) Representative, promoting engagement between early-career professionals and the wider CIGRE network. In addition, he is the Technical Secretary for the C1 Study Committee, supporting work focused on power system development and economics. Through these roles, Mark is committed to advancing industry knowledge, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the development of future leaders in the energy sector.

Bless Kuri is the Director of System Engineering and Investment with SSEN Transmission, the owner and operator of the north of Scotland electricity transmission network. Bless has over 25 years’ experience in power system planning and investment in transmission and distribution networks. His current focus is on the strategic planning of the transmission network in the north of Scotland to facilitate connections and to provide the necessary grid capacity, working with other network operators and the National Energy System Operator. Bless is the CIGRE UK Regular Member for Study Committee C1 – Power System Development and Economics.