Upcoming / 26th IERE General Meeting and Chubu EPCO–CRIEPI Japan Forum
Overview
About the theme
Main Theme: Powering Today, Defining the Future
The power sector is entering a period of profound transformation, driven by accelerating decarbonization, evolving supply-demand dynamics, aging infrastructure, and rapid advances in digital technologies. In this changing environment, it is essential not only to envision the future, but also to build upon the technologies, operational expertise, and infrastructure already in place today.
This forum will explore how established power systems can be enhanced through innovation to deliver a more sustainable, flexible, and resilient energy future. Rather than viewing continuity and innovation as opposing forces, they must be integrated to create practical, scalable, and lasting value.
Under this theme, discussions will extend beyond individual technologies to examine how diverse solutions can work together across the energy value chain. Through the exchange of global perspectives, best practices, and strategic insights, the forum aims to identify realistic pathways for progress and inspire the next generation of transformation in the power industry.
Who Should Attend?
The Forum is intended for experts actively involved in the selected themes, from IERE members and non-members, as well as all those interested in the evolution of the electrical power industry and the technology development and business development opportunities associated to this evolution. Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc (Chubu EPCO), Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI) and IERE will invite prominent speakers for keynote speeches.
Program
December 1, 2026
Welcome Reception
December 2, 2026
Opening Session
- Opening Address: IERE Chair
- Welcome Speech: Chubu EPCO
Plenary Session
Keynote Speeches
Panel Session (TBD)
Technical Session
Technical Session 1: From Inspection to Prediction: Advancing Power Asset Management
Advancements in condition assessment and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction technologies are accelerating the transition from conventional inspection-based maintenance to data-driven predictive maintenance across power assets. This session will highlight the latest developments in asset monitoring and degradation forecasting, while exploring future directions for advanced asset management and optimized maintenance strategies.
Potential topics include:
- Aging asset assessment
- Remaining life evaluation and life extension
- Replacement cycle optimization and forecasting
- Enhancement of maintenance quality and productivity
- Preventive measures against equipment failures
- Reliability improvement and risk mitigation
- …
Technical Session 2: Advancing Power Generation and Networks: Efficiency, Flexibility, and Resilience
With the rapid expansion of renewable energy and evolving electricity demand patterns, there is a growing need to enhance the integrated power system—from generation through transmission and distribution—in terms of efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. This session will showcase the latest technologies and initiatives, including grid-scale battery storage, reduction of transmission and energy conversion losses, optimized asset operation for higher utilization, and measures to strengthen system resilience. Discussions will also explore the future vision and strategic direction of next-generation power networks.
Potential topics include:
- Grid-scale battery storage systems
- Reduction of transmission and energy conversion losses
- Optimized asset operation and higher asset utilization
- Grid flexibility and balancing capability
- Enhanced infrastructure and system resilience
- Smart network operation and control
- …
Official Dinner
December 3, 2026
IERE General Meeting
- Report on IERE Activities by IERE Chair and IERE Central Office
- Report on IERE R&D Projects
- Special Lecture (TBD)
Special Session: Featured Company Overviews, Strategies, and Roadmaps
Technical Session
Technical Session 3: Energy Security and GX: Shaping the Future of Energy
Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and challenges in securing fuel supplies, ensuring a secure and reliable energy supply has become increasingly important in the transition toward a net-zero society. Centered on GX (Green Transformation), this session will explore next-generation energy systems enabled by the integration of renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage, electrification, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage), and other emerging technologies. It will also address key challenges and practical solutions for large-scale deployment and commercialization, while discussing the future vision of a sustainable energy society.
Potential topics include:
- Energy security and security of supply
- Energy mix optimization
- Renewable energy integration
- Energy efficiency and demand-side management
- Hydrogen and ammonia utilization
- Next-generation power generation technologies
- Carbon neutrality and net-zero pathways
- Regional resource circulation and circular economy
- Environmental impact reduction and emissions mitigation
- …
Technical Session 4: Software-Driven Digital Transformation and Value Creation in the Power Sector
Digital transformation (DX), powered by software, data, and intelligent technologies, is advancing operational excellence and creating new value across the power sector. This session will highlight the latest developments in data analytics, business process transformation, grid and asset optimization, and new service creation through technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things). It will also discuss key challenges and future directions for scalable deployment and practical adoption.
Potential topics include:
- AI, IoT, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
- Big data analytics
- Digital twin technologies
- EMS (Energy Management System)
- Smart grid platforms and automation
- Robotics and autonomous operations
- Worker safety and field support technologies
- Predictive analytics and decision support
- Cybersecurity for digital infrastructure
- …
Poster Session (TBD)
Exhibition (TBD)
Closing Remarks
- CRIEPI
- Secretary General, IERE
Social Event (Optional)
December 4, 2026
Technical Tour (Optional)
Call for Presentations
You are kindly invited to submit abstracts for the Oral Session or Poster Session for the Chubu EPCO–CRIEPI Japan Forum by email. In addition, please submit the Speaker’s Information.
How to Submit Your Abstract
１．Download and use the official abstract template
２．Email your completed template and any figures to register (at) iere.jp [Please substitute “ (at) ” with “@”]
Deadline
Abstract Submission Deadline: September 4, 2026
Submission Guidelines
- The official language of the IERE Forum is English.
- Abstracts will be posted on the IERE website and open to the public.
- The presentation session (oral or poster) may be adjusted depending on the total number of submitted abstracts.
- Presentation slides will be posted on the IERE website and open to IERE members and Forum participants.
Registration（Coming Soon）
Details will be shared in the First Announcement.
Registration Fees
- The Registration fee will be announced later. Speakers are also required to pay the Registration Fee.
- Accommodation and travel costs will be borne by the participants.
Venue
TIAD, Autograph Collection
5-15-19 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Japan
https://hotel-tiad.com/en
Location of TIAD, Autograph Collection
Hotel Information
Organizer
Chubu EPCO
Chubu Electric Power Company, Incorporated, established in 1951, is one of Japan’s leading integrated energy companies. Guided by its corporate philosophy, “Connecting people and communities through the energy of happiness,” the company is dedicated to ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply across central Japan while advancing the transition toward a safe, secure, and decarbonized society. Its initiatives encompass the development of distributed and circular energy systems, the delivery of customer-focused services, the creation of new business opportunities through business transformation, and the promotion of electrification to support sustainable growth and enhanced societal value.
As part of its group-wide sustainability strategy, Chubu Electric Power aims to reduce CO₂ emissions associated with customer electricity consumption by 50% from 2013 levels by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. To realize these ambitions, the company is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power generation. These efforts are expected to strengthen its low-carbon generation mix while enhancing long-term energy security and supply reliability.
Recognizing the challenges associated with the growing penetration of variable renewable energy resources, the company is also enhancing the flexibility and resilience of its power grid. In collaboration with local governments and regional stakeholders, it is advancing the development of distributed energy systems and microgrids that integrate renewable generation, battery storage, and advanced energy management technologies. These initiatives help optimize local energy utilization, improve system reliability, and ensure a stable electricity supply during emergencies and natural disasters.
Through the integration of extensive operational expertise and forward-looking innovation, Chubu Electric Power continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in the global energy transition. By fostering resilient, sustainable, and customer-centered energy solutions, the company is committed to contributing to a secure and prosperous energy future for generations to come.
CRIEPI
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), is a central and academic research institution for the electric power industry, supports the transformation of technologies and systems pertaining to the supply and use of electric power and other forms of energy, and thus leads technological innovation in the energy industry. Since its foundation in 1951, we have contributed to the electric power industry from the aspect of R&D which is the pillar of the development of Japanese economy and society.
Japanese energy policy has aimed to simultaneously achieve S+3E (Safety, Energy security, Environment, and Economic efficiency). Based on this policy, we are challenging to resolve medium- and long-term issues through cross-disciplinary research by a wide range of experts from natural sciences and engineering to social sciences, with research collaboration with institutions concerned in Japan and abroad.
CRIEPI is primarily composed of the Socio‑Economic Research Center, the Nuclear Risk Research Center, and three research laboratories: Energy Transformation Research Laboratory (EXRL), Grid Innovation Research Laboratory (GdRL), and Sustainable Systems Research Laboratory (SSRL). As of the end of FY2025, our total staff consists of 765 employees, including 673 research personnel and 92 administrative personnel. The research staff cover a wide range of fields, including 396 researchers who hold doctoral degrees. Across these centers and laboratories, we promote the fusion of knowledge and technologies, working collaboratively to drive flexible and rapid research and development.
Check out the following pages of this brochure to find out more about 75 years of expertise and experience that benefit your business in various ways.
https://criepi.denken.or.jp/en/publications/technologies/index.html
IERE
IERE is an organization for exchanging electricity and energy related cutting-edge technologies and R&D information among its members from the electricity and energy supply industry, equipment provider businesses, academic research, government, etc. This unique platform is of great help for executives, senior managers, engineers, and researchers who are responsible for R&D and solutions. It is a worldwide, non-profit organization, established as “International Electric Research Exchange” in 1968.
https://www.iere.jp
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