Latest Past Events

The Role of HVDC and Power Electronics in Shaping the Future Electric Grid with Renewables

Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/492115

Smart Grid is the most popular buzz word in the electric utility industry now-a-days. Many utilities are undertaking smart grid projects around the world. Though the initial smart grid projects focus at distribution level but the trend is growing towards smart transmission level controllers as well. It is foreseen that many High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and power electronics-based Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers will be installed in the T&D networks to realize the smart transmission and distribution network. According to a report from Pike Research, one of the most important high-growth sectors within the utility market is HVDC transmission. According to Cleantech Market Intelligence Firm, the cumulative spending for HVDC Systems between 2012 and 2020 was about US $120 Billion and it is increasing rapidly in the future. Though most of the growth is in Asian countries like China and India, it is also anticipated that significant increase in HVDC applications will happen in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world due to renewable resource integration. This presentation provides the state-of-the art in HVDC and FACTS technologies and discusses the new applications of HVDC and FACTS, AC line conversion to DC, and new converter developments such as modular multilevel VSC converters. Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/492115

Voices from Washington: A Young Professionals Panel

Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/482813

Insights & Experiences from IEEE-USA’s Congressional Visit Day Join us for a special virtual panel discussion featuring four young professionals who recently participated in the Congressional Visit Day (CVD) in Washington, DC. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about their experiences engaging with policymakers, advocating for the future of engineering and technology, and learning how government actions impact our professions. Our panelists will share their key takeaways, lessons learned, and advice for those interested in getting involved in public policy and advocacy efforts. Whether you're curious about how CVD works, passionate about making your voice heard, or simply interested in learning more about the intersection of technology and policy, this session is for you! Format: Moderated panel discussion followed by audience Q&A. Audience: Open to all students, young professionals, and anyone interested in advocacy, leadership, and professional growth. Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/482813

Strengthening Power Systems: Resilience, Sustainability, Security, and Investment Priorities

Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/478409

Power systems face escalating risks from aging infrastructure, extreme weather, cyber and physical threats, increased electrification, and shifting energy demands. Recent failures expose these vulnerabilities. In 2021, severe winter storms in Texas froze pipelines and shut down plants: Over 4.5 million people lost power, 246 died, and damages reached $195 billion. Between 2019 and 2023, wildfires and heatwaves in California triggered rolling blackouts. In 2023, winter storms in Quebec knocked out power for over a million. Europe’s 2022-2023 energy shortages, driven by geopolitical tensions, led to blackouts and supply restrictions. These are just a few examples. Cyber and physical attacks continue to threaten power systems. In 2015 and 2016, cyberattacks in Ukraine cut power to over 230,000. Since 2022, multi-pronged attacks have destroyed generation plants, reduced capacity, and forced the grid into emergency protocols. Blackouts are common, exposing the vulnerability of centralized systems during conflict. Failures happen fast. Recovery is slow. Resilience requires decisive action. Modernizing grids with smart technologies can reduce outage durations by 20% (EPRI, 2024). Decentralizing through microgrids adds redundancy—by 2025, 15% of urban areas will rely on them (IEA, 2025). Predictive maintenance using AI has cut transformer downtime from months to less than a week (DOE, 2024). AI-driven cybersecurity has reduced threat response times by up to 70% (DHS, 2025). Energy storage systems help balance supply and demand, particularly during peak loads, while advanced demand response systems increase grid flexibility and reduce stress during surges. However, resilience is not only about technology. It requires robust supply chains for critical components like transformers, semiconductors, and storage technologies. It depends on understanding the interdependencies between power, water, transportation, and telecommunications systems, where a failure in one sector can cascade into others. Investment strategies must prioritize scalable, climate-adaptive infrastructure while ensuring equitable access for underserved communities. Public-private partnerships will be essential to fund and drive these transformations, while policy frameworks must incentivize innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Data integration and AI will be central to optimizing grid efficiency, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding proactive interventions. Global benchmarking can also provide insights from regions advancing resilience—lessons that can be applied to diverse infrastructure contexts. For IEEE Young Professionals, the challenge is to design, implement, and advocate for these solutions. It means advancing technical expertise, engaging with policymakers, and promoting investments that ensure sector resilience. This session will present real-world examples, data-driven strategies, and practical frameworks for strengthening power infrastructure resilience. It will outline steps to build robust, adaptive systems across interdependent sectors, regions, nations, and global networks. Speaker(s): Dr. Massoud Amin Agenda: - Introduction (5 minutes) - Key Note by Dr. Masood Amin - (45 minutes) - Q&A (10 minutes) Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/478409