Grid Forming: Industry Status and Expected Developments

Lecture 1 (40 min.)
Grid Forming Inverters: Modeling, analysis, and road to performance standardization – An Update
Deepak Ramasubramanian (EPRI, USA)

With many power systems around the world rapidly going towards high percentage of inverter based resources, the concept of grid forming will be important. This tutorial will provide a detailed discussion on the notion of grid forming and what it entails. It goes beyond the aspect of voltage source behind impedance and showcases the importance of hierarchy of control within an IBR plant. Delivery of services and focus on performance is stressed. Further, the tutorial will walk through details of developing simulation models and identification of grid forming property from these models. Finally, through the use of application examples, a preliminary road to standardization will be discussed.

Discussion &  Short Break (10 min)

Lecture 2 (40 min.)
Comparison of Grid Forming Interconnection Requirements
Julia Matevosyan (ESIG, USA)

With grid forming controls being considered as one of the solutions for reliable integration of inverter-based resources (wind, solar, storage), there is a need to define interconnection requirements (or grid codes) and performance expectations for this technology. Around the world there is a handful of entities that has already started working on grid codes for grid forming technology, among those National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) in Great Britain, Australian Energy and Markets Operator (AEMO) and ENTSO-E. North American Reliability Corporation has also developed a white paper listing out grid forming capabilities and how a utility or a system operator wanting to deploy this technology today should test for grid forming capabilities through simulations. This part of the tutorial will cover capabilities sought from grid forming inverter-based resources by the system operators and compare various existing or proposed requirements.

Discussion &  Short Break (10 min)

Coffee Break

Lecture 3 (40 min.)
Grid-Forming Plant Controls: Bridging the Gap between Components and Grid Code Compliance
Benjamin Joseph Braun (FluenceEnergy, Germany)

Recent updates to the grid codes of key markets enabling grid-forming operation on the public network have opened a multitude of new applications. This in turn has exposed a gap between components level controls and complete code compliant solutions.

Historically, GFM applications have been largely limited to industrial black-start and isolated electrical systems. Such projects have provided countless lessons and improvements, but to date no component level standards defining GFM controls have been defined. Validation and bench-marking of manufacturer’s and integrator’s GFM capabilities is thus difficult.

This tutorial will highlight the current variations in component level GFM controls while recommending minimum technical requirements and testing regimes to allow for fair comparisons of suppliers in lieu of standards. Additionally, the required plant level integration considerations and controls needed to convert components into solutions compliant with the latest grid codes will be highlighted.“

Discussion & Short Break (10 min)

Lecture 4 (40 min.)
Grid-Forming Requirements: Interpretation, Implementation, and the Path Forward –
a TSO Perspective
Christian Schöll (TransnetBW, Germany) 

Grid-forming is undoubtedly the key to a stable power system of the future and therefore of crucial importance for transmission system operators. However, its success depends on a correct and common understanding of the concept behind this capability.

This tutorial provides a unique perspective from a TSO on key grid-forming requirements and their critical role in ensuring system stability. Drawing on early implementation experience, insights will be shared on how these requirements are being applied both in TransnetBW’s own assets and in customer installations connected to the transmission grid. The focus lies on challenges encountered during the implementation phase and lessons learned in collaboration with project partners. The tutorial also highlights identified differences across national contexts and outlines areas where current requirements may require refinement or clarification, based on initial practical experience and ongoing technical assessment. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how TSOs approach grid-forming from a system-wide perspective and what implications this may have for future developments.

Discussion & Short Break (10 min)

Short Break

Lecture 5 (40 min.)
Enhancing Power Systems stability with HVDC Control Technologies
M. Benedikt Kurth (Hitachi Energy, Germany)

The high-level control functions of HVDC systems are designed to enhance operational performance and contribute to overall grid stability.

This tutorial will present an overview of advanced control functions in HVDC systems, including grid-forming capabilities, aimed at supporting the AC grid during disturbances. By highlighting current challenges in AC grids, the session will use real-world use cases and reference projects to demonstrate how HVDC technology and its diverse control strategies can contribute to grid stability and resilience.

Looking ahead, the tutorial will also explore new requirements in HVDC control functions, offering insights into the evolving role of HVDC in tomorrow’s energy landscape.

Discussion (10 min)

LUNCH