The IEEE Northern Australia Section (NA) successfully hosted a seminar focused on the dynamics and operation of power systems with an emphasis on renewable energy sources (RESs). Recognizing the evolving landscape of power systems, which is being shaped by the increasing integration of RESs, storage systems, and price-responsive users, the seminar aimed to address the resulting complexities and uncertainties.

The seminar shed light on the challenges associated with operating power systems in the future, where achieving high levels of RES penetration will be critical. Participants explored various aspects, including stability analysis and the development of strategies to navigate the complexities of the evolving energy landscape. The evaluation of system stability along potential evolution pathways was presented, utilizing a scenario-sensitivity-contingency based framework.

The distinguished speaker for the seminar was DR Hesam Marzooghi, a Principal Power Systems Engineer with extensive experience spanning over 10 years in industrial and research projects. Hesam has been involved in numerous projects related to renewable energy resources within the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM). His expertise includes compliance studies, commissioning, model validation, and the planning and development of microgrids and energy storage systems. Hesam’s work has also encompassed load and solar forecasting, stability and security assessments of power systems, and the assessment of system frequency performance and strength in various grids.

Hesam’s notable project involvements encompass a range of renewable energy installations, such as solar farms and battery energy storage systems. He has contributed to connection studies, negotiations, and compliance assessments for major projects like the Finley Solar Farm, Western Downs Green Power Hub Solar Farm, and Hornsdale Battery Power Reserve Expansion. His experience extends to feasibility studies, owner’s engineering, and technical due-diligence for renewable energy projects within the NEM.

The seminar organized by the NA region provided valuable insights into the dynamics and operation of power systems in the context of renewable energy sources. Hesam’s expertise and extensive project involvement added depth and practical knowledge to the seminar, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.