About this Event
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.
Fee (£25+ VAT), and free for students, but please register with your .ac.uk email address to validate your student status. Registration is mandatory for admission to this event.
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
Tible 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. 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
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
James Watt South Building, James Watt South Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 30.00
