NORO Yasuhiro

Professor Emeritus, Kogakuin Univ.

Japan

Contact: noro[at]cc[dot]kogakuin[dot]ac[dot]jp

NORO Yasuhiro

Professor Emeritus, Kogakuin Univ.

Japan

Contact: noro[at]cc[dot]kogakuin[dot]ac[dot]jp

Abstract:

Grid-Forming (GFM) inverters are an essential technology for the widespread adoption of renewable energy. This presentation begins by providing an overview of GFM technology and outlining the associated challenges. Next, the structure of this Webinar is briefly introduced. Finally, the authors present case studies on applying GFM technology to large-scale power grids, as well as investigations into enabling photovoltaic systems to exhibit GFM characteristics without energy storage.

Biography:

Yasuhiro Noro completed the master’s program in Electrical and Communication Engineering at the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, in 1982 and joined Toshiba Corporation that same year. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering from Hokkaido University in 2003. In 2015, he was appointed as a professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Kogakuin University. From 2025, he serves as an Executive Researcher at the Energy and Environmental Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. He is a Professor Emeritus at Kogakuin University. His research and development expertise covers areas such as power system analysis and control, the application of power electronics to power systems, and the interconnection and control of distributed energy resources.

BU Siqi, Professor

The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univ.

Hong Kong

Abstract:

Biography:

Wenzong Wang

Senior Team Lead

EPRI

US

Abstract:

This presentation provides an overview of grid-forming technology developments in North America and around the world, covering practical applications in both transmission and distribution systems, key use cases, and implementation experience. It also explores future deployment pathways, outstanding challenges, and the outlook for broader grid-forming technology adoption in the coming years.

Biography:

Dr. Wenzong Wang is a Senior Team Lead at EPRI, specializing in the Integration of DER. He has led numerous projects related to modeling and grid impact studies of inverter-based DERs. His work primarily focuses on grid-forming inverter control and its
applications in both microgrid and grid-connected operations. Before joining EPRI, Dr. Wang earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M
University, College Station, USA, in 2019.

ShuRan Liu

HVDC Market Product Manager – North Asia

Hitachi Energy

China

Contact: shuran.liu[at]hitachienergy[dot]com

Abstract:

Grid-forming (GFM) capability is becoming a key technology for future renewable power systems. This presentation introduces how VSC-HVDC has already demonstrated many grid-forming functions in practical applications, including weak-grid operation, renewable integration and voltage and frequency support. Drawing on operational experience and project examples, the presentation discusses the evolution of Grid-Forming HVDC and its future role in offshore wind integration, multi-terminal HVDC systems, and future DC grids supporting the global energy transition.

Biography:

ShuRan Liu received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester, specializing in power and energy systems. He joined ABB Power Grids (now Hitachi Energy) in 2019 and currently serves as HVDC Market Product Manager – North Asia at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business unit. His work focuses on HVDC marketing, business development and product management, including offshore wind integration, renewable energy transmission, multi-terminal HVDC, and future grid technologies. He has extensive experience in power system consulting and power electronic solutions, supporting the transition toward resilient and sustainable power systems.

MIYAZAKI Satoshi

Senior Researcher, TEPCO Research Institute

Japan

Contact: miyazaki[dot]sa[at]tepco[dot]jp

Abstract:

The increasing penetration of renewable energy resources is reducing power system inertia and raising concerns about frequency stability. To address this challenge, Japan is advancing the development of grid-forming (GFM) inverter technology through a national project funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

This presentation provides an overview of the project, including inverter development, testing and validation activities, and power system stability studies. Prototype GFM inverters based on different control schemes have been developed and evaluated through both laboratory and field testing. In addition, simulation studies are being conducted to assess the contribution of GFM inverters to enhancing system stability in future low-inertia power systems.

The outcomes of the project are expected to support the practical deployment of GFM technology and contribute to the development of future grid codes in Japan.

Biography:

Satoshi Miyazaki joined Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in 1984 and began his career in the Substation and Power Plant Maintenance Department, where he was engaged in power plant performance measurements and protective relay testing.

Since joining TEPCO’s Research and Development Center in 1986, he has conducted research in a wide range of technical fields, including sodium-sulfur (NAS) batteries, power semiconductor devices, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, power electronic converters for electric power systems, and grid interconnection technologies.

Since 1994, his research interests have focused on power quality issues such as harmonics and voltage sags, distributed generation, microgrids, photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV module degradation, utility-scale PV plant deployment and generation forecasting, solar irradiance measurement, lithium-ion battery evaluation, power system inertia estimation, and grid-forming inverter technologies.

His current research focuses on the integration of renewable energy resources into electric power systems and the development of advanced inverter technologies to support future power system stability and reliability.

Miyazaki is the inventor or co-inventor of more than 30 patents and has authored or co-authored numerous technical papers and conference presentations in the field of electric power systems. He has also served as a session chair at several technical meetings and conferences organized by the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ). He is a Senior Member of the IEEJ and has received both the IEEJ Paper Award and the IEEJ Outstanding Reviewer Award.

Michael Schwung
Senior Innovation Manager, E.ON Group Innovation GmbH
Germany

Contact: michael[dot]schwung[at]eon[dot]com
Abstract:

The energy transition is fundamentally transforming the power system and imposing new requirements on grid stability. Grid Forming Converters (GFMs) are considered a key technology for replacing the stability related functions traditionally provided by conventional power plants. In distribution grids, they also offer the opportunity to actively contribute to the stabilization of the overall power system and to provide ancillary services.

At the same time, power electronic based technologies introduce technical challenges such as harmonic oscillations, undesired interactions among multiple GFMs, and unintended islanding. In addition, organizational challenges arise, because operational experience with GFMs is still limited, and both grid connection procedures and operational processes need to be further developed.

This presentation highlights the opportunities and risks of deploying GFMs in distribution grids and presents E.ON’s current activities aimed at integrating GFMs into the grid and addressing the associated technical and operational challenges.

Biography:

Michael Schwung is a Senior Innovation Manager at the E.ON Group Innovation GmbH, the central innovation unit of E.ON, one of Europe’s largest grid operators. He leads a research program on grid-related topics with a focus on the stability and resilience of the grid. Before joining E.ON, he worked as a project engineer at RWE, a leading German energy producer. He has a background in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and did his PhD in the field of networked control systems.

Lexuan Meng
Senior Product Manager, RWE Technology International GmbH
Germany
Contact: lexuan.meng[at]rwe[dot]com
Abstract:
Grid-forming Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming a key enabler of reliable power systems as renewable generation replaces conventional synchronous generation. This presentation introduces the market drivers and technical requirements for grid-forming BESS in Germany, with particular focus on the evolving system inertia landscape. It also shares RWE Generation’s experience in technology selection and project deployment, including a utility-scale case study highlighting key engineering and commissioning lessons. Participants will gain practical insights into the role of utilities in accelerating grid-forming BESS adoption and delivering reliable, efficient, and resilient power systems as well as insights on the influence of grid-forming capability on daily operations. (Joint presentation with Anika Weishaupt)

Biography:

Lexuan Meng received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China, in 2009 and 2012, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in Power Electronic Systems from Aalborg University, Denmark, in 2015. He held research positions at Aalborg University and the University of Strathclyde before joining ABB (now Hitachi Energy), where he worked on advanced power electronics and grid integration technologies. He is currently a Senior Product Manager for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at RWE. His interests include power electronics, battery energy storage systems, grid-forming converters, and renewable energy integration. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and an active contributor to IEEE and CIGRE technical activities.

Anika Weishaupt
Technical Project Engineer, RWE Generation SE
Germany
Contact: anika.weishaupt[at]rwe[dot]com
Abstract:
(Joint presentation with Lexuan Meng. Please see the abstract above.)

Biography:

Anika Weishaupt received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Business Administration and Engineering with focus on Electrical Energy Technology from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, in 2016 and 2018, respectively. During her studies she interned with Daimler Trucks & Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in Stuttgart, GER, Kawasaki, JP, and Portland, USA, focusing on electrifying trucks. Anika joined Uniper Technologies after receiving her M.Sc. She is currently a Technical Project Engineer at RWE, responsible for operational readiness of new-built BESS and modification of existing BESS towards grid-forming assets.