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
- 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. 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
