Editorial

Dear Colleagues,

As we approach the end of year, I would like to reiterate that we – the members of CIGRE – value strong ties and collaboration between people from all over the world.

CIGRE provides a global forum for the development and open exchange of electricity industry knowledge, information, and expertise with technical relevance and practical applications for the future of electric power systems and to the benefit of all.

I am shocked by the aggressive military tactics taking place in Ukraine. The operations shown by the medias – most specifically those recently relating to the destruction of civil infrastructure – goes against all acceptable logic. In most conflicts and wars that have taken place, the electrical infrastructure and continuity of supply had been preserved and thus were considered essential – like water – to the survival of the civilians.

The Geneva Convention states that “it is prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, unless they are used for the subsistence of members of its armed forces only; or as direct support for military action, provided, however, that under no circumstances are they taking action against such objects which could be expected to leave the civilian population so little food or water as to be reduced to starvation or forced to move”.

I would like to remind everyone that CIGRE is a peaceful organization, developed to help improve global life and I express CIGRE’s support to our Ukrainian colleagues who more than ever are on the frontline to reinstate the electricity supply as a key lifeline to society.

I welcome that our global industry (TSO, DSO, manufacturers) is assisting in replacing urgently the damaged electrical equipment.

I send you my sincere wishes for the upcoming holiday season. Let us hope that the new year 2023 will truly bring peace on earth and good will to all.

Very Sincerely,
Michel Augonnet