The CIGRE UK B4 Technical Liaison Meeting held on Friday, 16th May 2025, at the University of Birmingham, brought together a diverse group of professionals to discuss advancements in DC systems and power electronics. With approximately 60 in-person attendees and 40 online participants, the hybrid event underscored the growing interest and importance of these technologies in the energy sector.
Agenda
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11:00 | Welcome & Introductions: James Yu, Dechao Kong, Ali Kazerooni, Jiajie Luo
11:25 | Standardisation, evolution and innovation: The next steps for HVDC transmission – Carl Barker CEng, MSc, Consulting Engineer, GE Vernova
11:45 | Gaining Commercial Advantages from New Technologies – Biljana Stojkovska, Transmission and Congestion Commercial Manager, bp
12:15 | Grid Forming development in GB system – Xiaoyao Zhou, Operations Policy Manager, NESO
12:45 | Networking Lunch
14:00 | Design considerations in integration of DC systems to meshed DC/AC Transmission networks, WG B4.98 – Afshin Pashaei, Network Operability Specialist, National Grid
14:30 | Quick Update of WG B4.101 ‘Industrial Implementation and Application of Grid Forming Energy Storage Systems (GFM ESS)’ and further presentation on Delivering Grid Forming Battery Energy Storage Projects – Xiaoming Li, Chief Engineer, Zenobe
15:00 | Networking Break
15:10 | Quick Update of JWG B4:C4.103 ‘AC Network Equivalents for HVDC and FACTS Project Studies’ and further presentation on Frequency Scan Toolbox: Data-Driven Solution for Impedance-Based Stability Analysis and Network Representative – Shuailong Dai, Power Systems Engineer, NESO
15:30 | Emergence of LVDC Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities – Ali Kazerooni, Managing Director, iGrid Technology Consulting and Nigel Jakeman, Engineer and Business Development Director, Turbo Power Systems
15:55 | Making Headway on DC System Interoperability, and What’s Next in the Development towards Further and Larger DC Networks – Ben Marshall, HVDC Technology Manager, The National HVDC Centre
16:20 | Quick Updates on B4 activities: Ongoing and Future Activities & Wrap-up – Dechao Kong & Ali Kazerooni
16:40 | Networking
Meeting Report
After a brief introduction to the safety and facilities given by CIGRE UK B4 Event Supporter Nan Chen, Dechao Kong, the UK Regular Member of CIGRE B4 SC, opened the one-day meeting with a warm welcome, followed by an introduction to B4 SC as well as the programme of this technical liaison meeting.
After a brief introduction to the safety and facilities given by CIGRE UK B4 Event Supporter Nan Chen, Dechao Kong, the UK Regular Member of CIGRE B4 SC, opened the one-day meeting with a warm welcome, followed by an introduction to B4 SC as well as the programme of this technical liaison meeting.
Carl Barker, Consulting Engineer at GE Vernova, opened the technical sessions with insights into the future of HVDC transmission technique. He emphasised the need for renewable energy to meet the demand under Net-Zero context, discussing how HVDC systems could accelerating Energy Transition globally.
Biljana Stojkovska, Transmission and Congestion Commercial Manager at bp, discussed strategies for leveraging new technologies to gain commercial advantages in the energy market. She highlighted how integrating advanced technologies can optimise grid operations and create new opportunities.
Xiaoyao Zhou, Operations Policy Manager at NESO, presented on the development of grid-forming capabilities within the Great Britain system. He underscored their role in enhancing grid stability, particularly as the energy mix shifts towards inverter-based resources, especially with the development of Grid-Forming technology.
Afshin Pashaei, Network Operability Specialist at National Grid, shared findings from Working Group B4.98, focusing on design considerations for integrating DC systems into meshed DC/AC transmission networks. He discussed the importance of Local and centralised control and Coordinated Control algorithms.
Xiaoming Li, Chief Engineer at Zenobe, provided updates on Working Group B4.101 and discussed the delivery of grid-forming battery energy storage projects. He emphasised their potential in modern power systems, particularly in providing inertia and frequency support.
Shuailong Dai, Power Systems Engineer at NESO, introduced a Frequency Scan Toolbox, a data-driven solution for impedance-based stability analysis. He demonstrated how this tool can aid in accurately representing network behaviour and identifying potential stability issues.
Ali Kazerooni, Managing Director at iGrid Technology Consulting, and Nigel Jakeman, Engineer and Business Development Director at Turbo Power Systems, explored the emergence of Low Voltage DC (LVDC) technologies. They addressed associated challenges and opportunities, including the potential for LVDC in enhancing energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources.
Ben Marshall, HVDC Technology Manager at The National HVDC Centre, concluded the presentations by discussing progress in DC system interoperability. He outlined future developments towards expansive DC networks, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to achieve seamless integration.
The event concluded with updates on ongoing and future activities within Study Committee B4, presented by UK Regular Member Dechao Kong and Additional Regular Member Ali Kazerooni. The robust attendance and engaging discussions throughout the day highlighted the event’s success and the critical role of DC systems and power electronics in the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Mission
To facilitate and promote the progress of engineering and the international exchange of information and knowledge in the field of Direct Current (DC) equipment/systems and power electronics applications. To add value to this information and knowledge by means of synthesizing state-of-the-art practices and developing recommendations.
Technological field of activity
- Direct Current equipment and systems including converter technologies and semi-conductor devices.
- Power electronics for AC systems and power quality improvement, advanced power electronics and applications.
Scope
Within its technical field of activity, SC B4 addresses DC systems and Power Electronics (PE) equipment in both transmission and distribution systems. The study committee also addresses DC Converters for the integration of distributed renewable (PVs) and energy storage as well as power quality control. SC B4 covers the full spectrum of DC systems and PE devices including technology, specification, design, implementation, operation, maintenance, refurbishment of DC systems and FACTS devices.
Within this framework additional specific areas of attention include: