Experts of CIGRE and Russian companies discuss global trends of power industry development at REW

"Evolution of Energy Systems: A Global Perspective" panel session organized with support from Rosseti (FGC UES) and CIGRE, the largest international industrial association, took place at the International Forum "Russian Energy Week 2019". The focus was on managerial and technological transformations that are likely to occur in the power industry in the next 10-15 years. The discussion was moderated by Andrey Murov, Chairman of the Management Board, head of the Russian National Committee of CIGRE.

The speakers were: Yury Manevich, Deputy Minister of Energy of Russia; Pavel Livinsky, CEO of Rosseti; Maxim Bystrov, Head of Market Council NP; management of SO UPS, Inter RAO, E&Y, and CIGRE leaders: Marcio Szechtman, Head of the Technical Committee (Brazil); Philippe Adam, General Secretary (France); Adam Middleton, Head of the UK National Committee.

The key topics of discussion were digitalization, replacement of conventional generation with renewable energy sources (RES), and complication of the market structure. The session participants noted that the trends in the industry are often apparently contradicting with each other. In particular, the role of distributed generation and RES is growing, but it creates challenges in operation of networks at all voltage levels and difficulty in planning networks as the load pattern is varying. The replication of digital solutions in the industry requires greater attention to cybersecurity, etc.

"Consensus is visible on two trends. Even with the active development of distributed generation, RES, and consumer participation in the supply of electricity to the grid, consumers will not give up the services of "classic" centralized power grids for reliability reasons. New and conventional technologies will complement each other. Also, digital solutions in the long run open up great opportunities for improving production and economic efficiency. However, the digitalization should be a pragmatic process, taking into account real market demands and all risks," said Andrey Murov.

The International Council for High Voltage Electric Systems – CIGRE (Conseil International des Grands Réseaux Electriques – CIGRE) is the largest non-governmental organization in the field of electric power industry. Founded in 1921 in France, CIGRE today unites scientists and experts from 98 countries. Since 2018, the Council covers issues of all voltage classes following its new strategy "Approaching the second century".

Russian specialists have been participating in the association since 1923. In 1957, the National Committee of CIGRE was established, and since 2015 it has been headed by A. Murov, Chairman of the Board of FGC UES. Currently, the Russian National Committee ranks first in Europe and fifth in the world in terms of involvement of market players in the association's work.