By Dr. Deepak Nair M, Mr. Suneel V Chandran and Dr. Tripura Pidikiti

Participants, invited speakers, IEEE volunteers and organizers during the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes workshop on Energy Management and Market Operation with Renewable Integration at NIT Calicut, India.

 

The IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) continues to strengthen regional collaboration and technical capacity building through its global Hubs & Nodes Initiative. As part of this effort, the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative – Hyderabad Hub, led by Dr. Tripura Pidikiti, in collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut, the Electrical Engineering Association (EEA), NIT Calicut, and the IEEE IA/IE/PELS Joint Chapter Kerala Section, successfully organized a two-day workshop on Energy Management and Market Operation with Renewable Integration on 6–7 June 2026.

The workshop brought together 42 participants from academia, industry, utilities, and research organizations to explore emerging developments in renewable energy integration, electricity markets, intelligent power systems, and sustainable energy technologies. Through technical lectures, industry interactions, hands-on training, and IEEE engagement activities, the event demonstrated how the Hubs & Nodes Initiative is fostering knowledge exchange and professional collaboration across regions.

Workshop organized under the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative in collaboration with NIT Calicut and the IEEE IA/IE/PELS Joint Chapter Kerala Section.

 

Building Strong Technical Foundations

The first day of the workshop focused on developing a strong technical foundation in modern power systems and renewable energy integration.

The technical programme commenced with sessions by Dr. Deepak M., Dr. Vivek Mohan, and Dr. Nimal Madhu M. from the Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Calicut. Together, these sessions introduced participants to the evolution of intelligent power systems, energy management strategies, demand-side management, demand response mechanisms, electricity market structures, congestion management, and market operation fundamentals.

Rather than addressing these topics independently, the sessions demonstrated how digitalization, active consumer participation, and competitive electricity markets are becoming essential components of future sustainable power systems with high renewable energy penetration. Participants appreciated the balance between theoretical concepts and practical applications, which provided a comprehensive understanding of contemporary challenges in power system planning and operation.

Dr. Deepak M. introducing participants to modern power systems and energy management.
Technical session on electricity market structures and market operation fundamentals delivered by Dr. Nimal Madhu M.

 

Hands-on Learning Through Advanced Computational Tools

Complementing the theoretical sessions, participants took part in an interactive hands-on laboratory led by Ms. Swathi Krishna, Research Scholar at NIT Calicut.

Using OpenDSS and Python, participants gained practical experience in modelling demand-side management strategies, analysing electricity market scenarios, and simulating modern distribution systems. The session bridged the gap between classroom learning and practical implementation, equipping participants with computational skills that are increasingly important for research and industrial applications in smart grids and renewable energy integration.

The interactive format encouraged active participation and collaborative problem solving, making it one of the most engaging sessions of the workshop.

Participants received hands-on training on OpenDSS and Python for demand-side management and electricity market studies.

 

IEEE IES: Connecting Regional Activities to the Global Community

An important objective of the workshop was to connect regional technical activities with the broader IEEE Industrial Electronics Society community.

The second day commenced with a recorded address by Prof. Milos Manic, Chair of IES H & N and Immediate Past President of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, who shared the Society’s global vision and highlighted the importance of international collaboration, professional networking, and volunteer engagement. His message emphasized the role of the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative in expanding technical activities across different regions while fostering stronger connections among researchers, students, and industry professionals worldwide.

Recorded address by Prof. Milos Manic highlighting the global vision of IEEE IES and the Hubs & Nodes Initiative.

 

Industry and Utility Perspectives on Renewable Energy Integration

The workshop successfully brought together experts from academia, utilities, and industry to provide participants with practical insights into India’s rapidly evolving power sector.

Mr. Noushad Sharafudeen, Former Executive Engineer, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), discussed renewable energy integration challenges, battery energy storage systems, pumped-storage projects, and state-level policy perspectives. His presentation highlighted the practical considerations involved in maintaining grid reliability while accelerating renewable energy deployment.

Complementing these discussions, Mr. Sreehari K., Deputy Manager at GRID-INDIA, shared national-level experiences in grid scheduling, forecasting, renewable integration, model validation, and secure operation of India’s interconnected power system. Together, these sessions demonstrated how technological innovation, operational planning, and policy development must work together to support the global energy transition.

Industry perspective on renewable integration, battery storage and energy policy.
GRID-INDIA session on renewable integration, forecasting and national grid operation.

 

Technology for Society: Advancing a Just Energy Transition

Recognizing that sustainable development extends beyond technology alone, the workshop included a thought-provoking session by Prof. Sasi Kottayil, Vice Chair of the South Asia Regional Committee of IEEE Smart Village.

His presentation explored the concept of social energy enterprises and emphasized how community-centred energy solutions can contribute to a just and equitable energy transition. Through examples from grassroots initiatives, participants were encouraged to consider the social dimensions of engineering innovation, reinforcing the importance of inclusive and sustainable development in future energy systems.

Prof. Sasi Kottayil discussing community-centred approaches to sustainable energy through IEEE Smart Village initiatives.

 

Encouraging Lifelong Engagement with IEEE IES

The workshop concluded with an IEEE IES Connect session delivered by Dr. Tripura Pidikiti, AdCom Member-at-Large of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (2026–2028).

The session introduced participants to the diverse opportunities available within IEEE IES, including technical committees, conferences, publications, standards activities, and volunteer leadership pathways. Participants were encouraged to remain engaged with the Society beyond the workshop, fostering long-term professional growth and international collaboration.

By concluding the technical programme with IEEE engagement, the workshop reinforced one of the key objectives of the Hubs & Nodes Initiative: transforming technical events into gateways for sustained participation in the global IEEE Industrial Electronics Society community.

IEEE IES Connect session introducing participants to IEEE IES technical communities, conferences and volunteer opportunities.

Outcomes and Impact

Throughout the two-day programme, participants actively engaged in technical discussions, practical demonstrations, and networking activities that strengthened collaboration between academia, industry, utilities, and IEEE volunteers.

The workshop successfully demonstrated how the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative can serve as an effective platform for regional capacity building while connecting local technical communities with the global IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. By integrating technical education, industrial experience, practical training, and professional development, the programme contributed to preparing participants for the challenges associated with renewable energy integration, electricity market evolution, and intelligent power systems.

The organizers expressed their sincere appreciation to all invited speakers, collaborating organizations, volunteers, and participants whose enthusiastic contributions made the workshop a resounding success. The event further reinforced the growing role of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society in supporting sustainable technological development through knowledge sharing, international collaboration, and professional engagement.

 

 

Acknowledgements

The organizers sincerely thank the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) for its continued support of the Hubs & Nodes Initiative. Special appreciation is extended to Prof. Juan José Rodríguez-Andina, President of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, and the members of the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Committee for their vision, guidance, encouragement, and continued support in strengthening regional collaboration and advancing technical excellence through the Hubs & Nodes Initiative.

The organizers also gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Electrical Engineering Association (EEA), National Institute of Technology Calicut, the IEEE IA/IE/PELS Joint Chapter, Kerala Section, and all collaborating institutions for their valuable partnership in organizing this event. Sincere thanks are extended to all invited speakers, session coordinators, volunteers, and participants whose enthusiasm, expertise, and active engagement contributed significantly to the success of the workshop.

The workshop not only strengthened technical capacity in renewable energy integration and modern power systems but also expanded regional collaboration under the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative. By connecting academia, industry, utilities, and IEEE volunteers, the programme demonstrated how local technical activities can contribute to the global mission of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society.

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