Combined Distribution and Transmission Power System Planning to Facilitate Net Zero
ABOUT
This event marks the first joint CIGRE UK SC C1 (Power System Development & Economics) & C6 (Active Distribution Systems & Distributed Energy Resources) Technical Liaison Meeting, kindly hosted at the University of Glasgow, and also supported by the CIGRE UK University Hub – Glasgow Region. The meeting provides a dedicated forum to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, with a particular focus on the role of integrated distribution and transmission (D/T) power system planning in enabling the transition to Net Zero. The programme features keynote contributions and a panel session bringing together experts from industry and academia to discuss emerging challenges, opportunities, and best practices in coordinated network planning. Through technical insights and practical perspectives, the session will explore how closer alignment between transmission and distribution planning can support decarbonisation, system resilience, and the efficient integration of low‑carbon technologies.
AGENDA
10:00 – 10:30 | Welcome and Introductions
Introduction to Study Committees C1 & C6: Bless Kuri and Professor Jun Liang
Introduction to CIGRE UK and its Sections (WiE/NGN/University Hubs): Mark Kent
10:30 – 11:10 | Part 1: The Future of Distribution Networks and Innovation in Flexibility Solutions
Presenters
Catherine Winning, Head of Future Networks, SSE Plc
Tianning Xu, Chief Technology Officer, IONATE Energy
11:10 – 11:20 | Break
11:20 – 12:00 | Part 2: System Planning and Innovation for Integrated Transmission–Distribution Networks
Presenters
Callum MacIver, Research Fellow at University of Strathclyde
Greg Shirley, Innovation Engineer, National Grid
12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch
12:45 – 13:30 | Part 3: Electrification and Practical Challenges in Network Integration
Presenters
Dr Zhongbei Tian, Associate Professor in Transport Energy Systems, University of Birmingham
Margi Shah, Senior Engineer, Scottish Power Network
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.