Power & Energy Systems

Power System Operations, Control & Planning

Power & Energy Group’s research in Operations, Control and Planning is dedicated to ensuring the stability, security and reliability of modern power systems. A key area of focus is the integration of transmission and distribution (T&D) systems to support seamless coordination across different voltage levels and system components. To maintain system stability and security under a wide range of operating conditions, the group develops advanced control strategies, optimisation algorithms, and protection schemes. Dynamic simulations and power system modeling are used to anticipate potential disturbances and design effective countermeasures. The group also promotes flexible grid management and leverages advanced sensing and measurement technologies to enhance situational awareness and enable rapid response to both physical disruptions and cyber threats.

Microgrids & Storage

The Microgrids and Storage pillar focuses on enhancing the resilience and adaptability of distributed energy systems through advanced control, protection, and energy management strategies. A key area of focus is the development and integration of cyber-physical systems that can support real-time monitoring, adaptive control, and secure communication within microgrids. Cyber security is treated as a critical element, ensuring that microgrids remain protected against threats that could compromise both operational continuity and data integrity. Particular attention is given to microgrid control architectures and energy management systems that enable seamless islanding, reconnection, and dynamic optimisation of power flow based on local demand and generation conditions. In addition, Power & Energy Group advances the development of high-performance energy storage technologies that enhance system flexibility and ensure backup power in the event of grid disturbances and extreme incidents.

Power Electronics & Integrated Systems

This research theme advances sustainable and scalable power electronics solutions for future grid integration. Power & Energy Group focus on wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), alongside cutting-edge packaging technologies, to deliver high-efficiency, high-density, and thermally robust grid-interfacing converters. These technologies serve as the foundation for modular and reusable Power Electronics Building Blocks (PEBBs), enabling faster deployment, easier maintenance, and improved lifecycle sustainability of power electronic systems. Based on these component-level and equipment-level innovations, the group explores advanced distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection, such as ultra-fast EV charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, to enhance the grid flexibility and resilience. Communication systems and transportation networks are also examined as critical components in the broader energy system. Hardware-in-the-loop platforms are used to simulate and validate the performance of integrated systems in realistic operational scenarios.

Policy Considerations and Markets for a Low-Carbon Energy System

In the area of Markets and Policies, Power & Energy Group studies the evolution of power markets and the design of regulatory frameworks that promote grid security and innovation. This includes evaluating economic valuation methods for energy services and examining the potential of virtual power plants to balance supply and demand more effectively. These efforts aim to create policy environments that support the transition to more resilient and decentralised power systems. To advance the development of low-carbon energy systems, the group has initiated research on electricity–carbon market nexus. Through the coordination of both electricity and carbon markets, participants can make more informed decisions that improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions. Additionally, this coordination enhances their ability to manage the risks associated with fluctuations in electricity and carbon prices.

A.I. & Autonomous Grid

In the A.I. and Autonomous Grid pillar, Power & Energy Group develops AI-based models and tools to support real-time grid optimisation and autonomous operations. The research covers data analytics and forecasting methods to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Advanced machine learning techniques, including reinforcement learning and deep neural networks, are employed for power system stability analysis, operation and control, market simulation, load forecasting, and anomaly detection. The group further investigates digital twin technologies for simulating and training autonomous grid agents under varying conditions. Moreover, the group addresses the ethical and regulatory aspects of AI deployment in power systems, promoting transparency, cybersecurity, and human-in-the-loop design for trustworthy and robust autonomous grid operations.