Topics

PS1: System Operation and Control

• Challenges in operations of interconnected power systems
• Managing new challenges in operational planning and real-time operation of Power Systems
• Control Decision making tools and methods, system visualization techniques.
• Utility experiences in wide area modeling and assessment of WAMS.
• New applications in system operation and control for detection and mitigation of system conditions.
• Evolution of operation reliability standards in the context of open markets and reduced security margins.
• Criteria and standards level metrics and performance indicators.
• Implications of climate change on the electric power system.
• Specification, assessment, and improvement of System Technical Performance.
• Coordination, lightning protection, power quality and power system security.
• Influence of environmental stresses (such as lightning & pollution) on power system reliability.
• The interaction of electrical equipment and customer installations with the power system.
• Experiences and developments in GCC interconnected systems operations.

PS2: System Development & Economics

• Planning of long-term network developments, economic vs. non-economic, probability, risk, and impact.
• Development of a capital expenditure plan, business organization, and performance indicators.
• Planning and investing for effective supply restoration plans.
• Strategic environmental assessment methodologies in the planning of system expansion.
• Adequacy and security in Generation and Transmission in the context of the future generation mix and location.
• Planning approaches to mitigate technical limits and constraints imposed by the rapid expansion of GCC power systems.

PS3: Electricity Markets and Regulation

• Prospects and experiences of electricity trading and creation of electricity markets.
• Obstacles and solutions to mitigate the development of electricity markets.
• Electricity Market models for GCC and Arab Countries.
• Incentives for investing in generation and transmission in an electricity market environment.
• Investment criteria (for generation and transmission) in a market environment, role of capacity markets.
• Interactions between system security rules and market rules.
• Harmonization of grid codes and transmission tariffs structures for trading between interconnected systems.

PS4: Distribution Systems

• Integration issues at the planning and operation stage, experience: impact of large-scale integration, constraints.
• Concepts and technologies for active distribution networks.

PS5: Substation, Switchgear, and HV Equipment

• Impact of stronger constraints with respect to footprint, severe climatic conditions, and public amenity on substation design.
• EHV/UHV substations for GCC and Arab region.
• Design and application of GIL for bulk power transmission.
• Impacts of new/future network concept changes on substation design.
• Residual life estimation – Risk assessment, replacement, or refurbishment options.
• Upbringing of substations and existing equipment to increase network capacity.
• Technical solutions for the extension of substations on already existing footprints.
• Reducing the impact of substations on the environment.
• End-of-life assessment (age, capability, reliability, technical risks, and expertise).
• Refurbishment and replacement strategies.
• Application of monitoring and condition assessment techniques.
• Operation of equipment beyond design life.
• Testing of hybrid switchgear assemblies.
• Moving Towards Substation Digitalization and Environment-Friendly Stations.
• Applications of surge arresters (mid-line, non-line to ground).
• Non-conventional instrument transformers, IEC 61850, and monitoring/intelligence within equipment.
• Mixed technology and composite insulated switchgear.

PS6: Substation Protection and Automation

• New requirements and concepts for Substation Automation and Protection.
• Impact of Process-Bus (IEC61850-9-2) on protection and substation automation systems.
• Protection coordination and special protection systems for interconnected power systems.
• Life cycle management of protection and control systems.
• Innovative testing techniques for protection and substation automation systems.
• Advancements in Cyber and Physical Security and Telecom Technologies.

PS7: Transformer Design, Manufacturing, Life Cycle and Performance

• Design, manufacturing processes, application, and performance of different winding types and materials.
• Experience and evaluation of winding mechanical (short-circuit and load noise), thermal, dielectric, and efficiency performance.
• Effects of ageing and maintenance practices on transformer performance.
• Design of large transformers and its impacts on the transformer's life cycle and rate of failure.
• Reinvestment policy options: Purchasing vs. refurbishment to new.
• Diagnostics, risk assessment, post-mortem investigations, online monitoring, moisture assessment, maintenance processes, and quality control.
• Corrosive Oils & mitigation techniques, re-inhibiting, and metal passivators experiences.
• Reliability, condition assessment, and end-of-life evaluation.
• Thermal, electrical, and environmental performances.
• Reliability and economic aspects.
• Effects of transients on performances.
• Maintenance practice, diagnostics, new technologies, life assessment, and online monitoring systems.
• Loading, switching operations, experiences in service, system aspects, new applications, and designs.

PS8: Overhead Lines

• Techniques, innovative solutions, diagnostic tools, and methods for line-up rating and optimized use of existing capacities.
• Maintenance and refurbishment methods based on diagnostic tools and methods.
• Increasing reliability and security through improved electrical and mechanical performance.
• Solutions for quick recovery: emergency structures, temporary lines.
• Design, installations, and in-service experience.
• Maintenance policies.
• Diagnostic methods applied to Cable Systems.
• Remaining Life Assessment Methods.

PS9: HVDC and FACTS Technology

• HVDC and FACTS to improve system capacity, performance, and efficiency.
• New technologies for HVDC and FACTS in AC Networks.
• Operational performance of existing HVDC interconnections, upgrading/replacement of older projects.
• Feasibility studies of new HVDC projects.
• Planning, design, and reliability criteria of new HVDC projects, including overload capability considerations.
• Issues and experiences with ground return and ground electrodes.
• Operational performance and system impact of existing FACTS.

PS10: Renewable Energy & Nuclear Energy for the Gulf States

• Grid Codes, Policy & regulation requirements for non-conventional generation.
• Development of renewable energy sources and storage systems for GCC.
• Control grid stability, voltage dip survival, stabilization after faults, reactive power control, and energy storage.
• Drivers and opportunities for nuclear energy in the Gulf States.
• Innovative nuclear technologies to meet GCC's growing power demands.
• Nuclear fuel cycles and disposal methodologies.
• Green Hydrogen in GCC: Opportunities and Challenges.
• Decarbonization and Energy Transition in GCC.

PS11: Smart Grids

• Grid Code, Policy & regulation for smart grids.
• Experiences in implementing Smart Grids in GCC and Arab region.
• Growing complexities in Modern Grids leading to smart grid opportunities.
• Design and development of smart grids for managing future grid capabilities.
• Innovative technologies to enable smart grid implementation.
• Standards for communication and data management.

PS12: Asset Management for Power Systems

• Asset management challenges and strategies (replacement, refurbishment, and maintenance).
• Substation lifecycle cost optimization.
• Development of monitoring systems and techniques for decision support.
• Use of online monitoring and diagnostics for risk mitigation.
• Designs for least environmental impact.
• Risk analysis techniques for evaluating maintenance and failure costs.
• Low-carbon energy future considerations.
• Integration of large-scale renewable energy and implications for asset management.
• Enhanced information needs.
• Managing flatter load profiles, uncertain generation, and new technologies.