CIGRE CNC First International Forum on Large Electric Systems (IFLES 2026)

By Min LIU from Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering 
and Gen LI from North China Electric Power University 

The First International Forum on Large Electric Systems (IFLES 2026) was held was held in Beijing, China, from 26 to 28 May 2026. The forum is a flagship initiative of the Chinese National Committee of CIGRE (CIGRE CNC). As its inaugural edition, IFLES 2026 was jointly organised by the Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering (CSEE), Huairou Laboratory, and China Southern Power Grid, with technical support from CIGRE. 

More than 300 experts, researchers, industry leaders and representatives from around the world attended the event. The forum was held under the them “Large Power Grids with Digital Intelligence and Power Electronics.” Against the backdrop of rapid renewable energy integration, accelerating advances in artificial intelligence, and the increasing deployment of power electronic technologies, participants exchanged insights on the future development of large electric systems, with a focus on green and low-carbon transition, secure and efficient system operation, and technological innovation.

The forum opened with a welcome address delivered via video by Philippe Adam, Secretary General of CIGRE. In his remarks, he acknowledged the long-standing contributions of the CIGRE CNC and highlighted China’s achievements in supporting the global energy transition and advancing low-carbon power technologies. Representatives from the National Energy Administration of China and China Southern Power Grid subsequently delivered opening remarks, sharing perspectives on China’s progress in power system development and international cooperation, as well as their efforts to build new-type power systems and enhancing grid flexibility.

The Keynote Session featured seven presentations delivered by internationally renowned experts from industry, academia, international standardization organizations and research institutions:

• Konstantin Papailiou, President of CIGRE, in his presentation “CIGRE on the Move: Driving the All-Electric Future,” reviewed the evolution of overhead transmission technologies and outlined future trends toward underground cables, submarine cables, and large-scale HVDC interconnections. 
• Tang Guangfu, Chair of CIGRE CNC Technical Committee and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, in “Interconnected Network Technology based on HVDC-Flexible for Reshaping Power Grid Architecture,” highlighted the role of flexible DC technologies in supporting power system transformation, renewable energy integration, and future large-scale grid interconnection.
• Zhang Wenfeng, President and Board Member of State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), in “Accelerating Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Enhanced Safe Operation of Large Power Grids,” presented SGCC’s practices and achievements in digital grid development to support secure operation and large-scale renewable integration.
• Jo Cops, the 37th President of IEC, in “Smart and Digital Grids: IEC Standards Enabling the Next-Generation Power Systems”, emphasized the role of IEC standards in enabling interoperable, data-driven, secure, and scalable smart grids.
• Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director of ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, in “Standards for Sustainable Digital Transformation,” highlighted the role of international standards in enabling smart grid development and sustainable digital transformation.
• Anjan Bose, Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and Regents Professor of Washington State University, in “Resource Adequacy with High Penetration of Renewables,” discussed challenges of resource adequacy under high renewable penetration, including limitations of traditional reliability metrics and planning mismatches.
• Lan Xiongjing, Deputy District Mayor of Beijing Huairou District, introduced the development foundation and strategic positioning of the Beijing Huairou Comprehensive National Science Center and its role in supporting an international energy innovation ecosystem.

Following the Keynote Session, a CEO Forum was held and chaired by Rao Hong, Vice Chair of the CIGRE CNC Technical Committee and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Participants included Joanne Hu (Chair of CIGRE SC B4), Nicola Gariboldi (Chair of CIGRE SC A3), Xu Shukai (Chairman of Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau of China Southern Power Grid and Chair-elect of CIGRE SC B4), Yu Jun (Executive Chairman of China Electric Equipment Group) and Liu Zhichao (President of Beijing Sifang Automation). The panel exchanged views on future grid development, technology application, and industrial collaboration.

In parallel with the main forum, seven panel sessions were organized, together with four CIGRE Working Group meetings and several CIGRE CNC Study Committee activities. These included the CIGRE-IEC 2026 Conference on UHV and EHV (AC & DC) and a CIGRE NGN Session. Technical visits were also arranged to showcase China’s latest achievements in clean energy research, advanced testing facilities, and renewable energy infrastructure.

As the first edition of the forum, IFLES 2026 successfully established a new international platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in the field of large electric systems. The event concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening global collaboration, advancing technological innovation, and supporting the development of secure, sustainable and resilient power systems worldwide.