Preparation of a Report on Key Technology Trends from the CIGRE 2026 Paris Session

What happened

On September 6, 2026, the Center prepared a 136-page report titled “Key Technology Trends from the CIGRE 2026 Paris Session.” Drawing on major presentations and workshops, the report reviews technology development and application examples involving HVDC and power-electronics-based power systems, distinguishing the scope of verification from remaining research challenges.

The HVDC review addresses fault isolation and transmission restoration in multi-terminal DC (MTDC) networks, alongside common functions, interfaces, protection coordination, and integrated verification for multi-vendor interoperability. It also examines fault response and grid support using full-bridge HVDC converters, as well as voltage, frequency, inertia, and damping responses from grid-forming (GFM) technologies. Particular attention is given to performance assessment that accounts for control settings, operating conditions, and current, power, and stored-energy limits.

The analysis section reviews the purposes and verification challenges of generic EMT models and wide-area EMT studies that include surrounding networks. It discusses checking model capabilities against testing and field records, together with the grid impacts of rapid data center load variations, internal power supply transfers, and post-fault demand recovery. The conditions for using computational workloads, cooling systems, and storage as sources of grid flexibility are also examined.

The digital technology review covers AI- and AR/VR-based support for technical document retrieval, engineering reviews, knowledge transfer, and understanding field equipment and tasks. It highlights reliable source materials, traceability, and expert review, while distinguishing simulation studies, equipment tests, and field applications when assessing reported outcomes and further verification needs. The report provides a foundation for refining research directions in HVDC control and protection, power system stability analysis, and AI-based monitoring and knowledge management.