ESIG Large Loads Workshop

Date

28 September 2026
Time: 09:30 – 18:00
Room: Douro II

Information

ESIG (Energy System Integration Group) is organising a workshop on electric systems planning and reliable operations with large loads. This event is organized in cooperation with Energynautics.

The workshop will be held at the venue of the 25th Wind & Solar Integration Workshop, the Pestana Douro Riverside.

Workshop Details

The workshop is planned to address the evolving challenges of electric systems planning and the reliable operation of large loads. As significant new demand sources—ranging from large-scale data centers to other industrial and transportation loads—enter interconnection queues, the exchange of technical knowledge between European and North American stakeholders becomes increasingly essential.

Anticipated sessions of this one day workshop include:

Load Growth Forecasts and Flexibility for planning
Connection Processes and Network Upgrades
Technical Reliability and Grid Codes and system stability studies

Join us for a cocktail reception in the evening following a day full of inspiring talks, insights, and exhange.

Workshop Agenda (draft)

09:30

REGISTRATION / COFFEE

10:00

Introduction Session – Keynotes
Session chair: Alejandro Moreno (ESIG, USA)

Keynote Presentations:

Aung Thant (NERC, USA) – tbc
Antonio Iliceto (ENTSO-E, Europe) – tbc

11:15

COFFEE BREAK

11:30

Session 1 – Load Growth Forecasts and Flexibility for Planning
Session chair: Hannele Holttinen (recognis, Finland)

Presentations:

James Whiteford (NESO, United Kingdom)
John Wilson, (GridStrategies, USA)
Invited: US Data Center Coalition (Brian George, Google)

Discussion

13:00

LUNCH

14:00

Session 2 – Connection Processes and Network Upgrades
Session chair: Amy Rose (Energynautics, Germany)

Presentations:

REN – (Portugal) – tbc
Jeff Billo (ERCOT, USA)
Natalia Baudry (Google/EMEA, France)
Antje Orths (Energinet, Denmark) – tbc

Discussion

15:40

COFFEE BREAK

16:00

Session 3 Technical Reliability and Grid Codes
Session chair: Alex Shattuck (ESIG, USA)

Presentations:

Lasse Linnamaa (Fingrid, Finland)
Taulant Kerci (Eirgrid, Ireland)
Önder Polat (Black & White Engineering, United Kingdom)
Liam Morrissey (Google/EUDCA working group, Ireland)
Julija Matevosyan (ESIG, USA)

Discussion

17:40

General discussion – Summary

18:00

COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Participation Fees & Registration

The ESIG Large Loads Workshop is not included in the general participation fee of the Wind & Solar Integration Workshop.
The registration for the ESIG Large Loads Workshop includes coffee breaks, lunch and networking cocktail.
Register here

Early Bird Discounts: Available for regular participants until 15 July 2026.
Speakers pay a discounted fee.