CIGRE UK and SuperAIRE: Whole Systems Planning Workshop

📅 25 September 2025 | 📍 Radcliffe Conference Centre, University of Warwick

Event Overview

SuperAIRE (Supergen Network Plus in Artificial Intelligence for Renewable Energy) was delighted to co-host the Whole Systems Planning Workshop, bringing together researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to explore how integrated energy systems can be designed and delivered in the era of decarbonisation and digitalisation.

The workshop provided a platform for discussion at the intersection of power systems, emerging technologies, and advanced modelling, examining both the technical and economic challenges of developing resilient, flexible, and sustainable energy networks.

Key Themes and Insights

Throughout the day, participants engaged with presentations and discussions covering:

• ⚡ Artificial Intelligence for renewable energy integration
• 🌍 Strategic planning of hydrogen networks
• 💷 Economic assessment of multi-vector energy systems
• 🚆 Novel sources of grid inertia, including electrified rail transportation
• 🔗 Whole-system modelling approaches, including co-simulation of electrolysers and fuel cells
• 🤖 Cutting-edge control strategies, such as Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Proximal Policy Optimisation, enabling rapid and coordinated Fast Frequency Response

These sessions highlighted innovative approaches to overcoming the complexity of whole energy systems, where electricity, hydrogen, and transport infrastructures must be planned and operated in an integrated way.

Who Attended

The event brought together a diverse community of:

• Energy industry professionals
• Asset managers and engineers
• Policy makers and regulators
• Academics and researchers
• Sustainability advocates

The combination of perspectives created a rich environment for debate, collaboration, and forward-looking solutions.

Outcomes

The discussions revealed both the opportunities and barriers to whole systems planning. Participants emphasised:

• The importance of cross-sector collaboration in modelling and delivery.
• The need for economic frameworks that reflect the realities of multi-vector systems.
• The role of AI and digitalisation in enabling fast, flexible responses to system challenges.
• The value of innovative control strategies for ensuring system stability as renewable penetration increases.

Next Steps

The insights gained will help inform SuperAIRE’s ongoing work in supporting the transition to net zero. Future workshops and publications will build on these findings, fostering stronger connections between academia, industry, and policymakers.

Thank You

We extend our thanks to all the speakers, participants, and partners who made the Whole Systems Planning Workshop such a productive and inspiring day.