EDF International Networks

🔍 Exploring the Future of Grid Operations with Hydro-Québec

we had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Hydro-Québec for a series of site visits and experience-sharing sessions focused on control-command substations, including the latest virtualized substations compliant with IEC-61850 standards.
We also showcased our capabilities in grid operations, with presentations and live demonstrations on FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration) and DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems).

💡 With similar challenges in modernizing our substation control systems, we were able to exchange valuable insights and share ongoing project experiences.

These challenges are not only technical — involving virtualization, IEC-61850 modeling, configuration, test automation, and scalability —
but also deeply human and organizational: successfully bridging IT 💻 and OT ⚡ skills, processes, and risk management within our companies.

A big thank you to Hydro-Québec for the inspiring discussions and shared vision!
Nicolas Di Gaetano , Jean-Philippe Rivest , Jean Sebastien Labbé , Kenny GUILLOUCHE , Dario Alvarez , Mathieu Carluer , Julien Schulze

🌍 Empowering the Future of Energy in Africa ⚡

Following a fully online training on smart grids delivered for African Energy Commission of the African Union (AFREC), which brought together over a hundred energy experts from various African countries—both French- and English-speaking—we had the pleasure of continuing this initiative with an in-person workshop in Windhoek, Namibia, from September 29 to October 2, 2025.
Organized at the request of AFREC, the workshop focused on smart grids and was tailored for Namibian distribution network experts. It brought together around 25 participants from across Namibia’s electricity sector—including representatives from transmission, distribution, regulation, and the Ministry of Energy—as well as 3 participants from South Africa’s Eskom.

The training covered key topics such as:
🔹 Smart grid fundamentals
🔹 Telecommunications and cybersecurity challenges
🔹 Smart metering
🔹 Integration of renewable energy
🔹 Data valorization
🔹 Regulatory frameworks

We had the opportunity to co-facilitate the training on-site with Maxime Gillaux , Yassine EL BAZ, while Julien D., Lispice AGOSSOU, and Hippolyte Silva contributed remotely, sharing their expertise on specialized topics.

🙏 A big thank you to AFREC for the organization and partnership, The Namibian Energy Institute and to the Namibian Ministry of Industies, Mines and Energy for their support. Together, we are building the foundations for a smarter, more resilient energy future in Africa. 🌱🔌
Naïm Echarach

🌎 The CIGRE 2025 International Symposium in Montreal is bringing together key international, regional, and local stakeholders from across the power grid sector.

We were proud to see Mathieu Carluer, our Head of Europe & North America, take the stage to share insights on a topic shaping the future of our industry: Benefits and Challenges of an Advanced Architecture for the Control Room of the Future.”

🔍 Key benefits discussed:
Improved grid resilience
Accelerated decision-making through real-time data and AI
Enhanced collaboration across system operators

⚠️ Challenges ahead:
Integrating legacy systems
Ensuring cybersecurity and data sovereignty
Preparing operators for increasingly complex environments

Thanks to Kenny GUILLOUCHE from EDF International Networks for his contribution to this CIGRE article, as well as Diljeet Singh and Olivier Ebert from Capgemini for this joint collaboration.

A big thank you to the CIGRE community and all participants for the inspiring exchanges!

🌎 We’re proud to announce our participation in the CIGRE 2025 International Symposium, taking place at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal in Québec, Canada, from September 29 to October 3, 2025.
🎤 Our head of North America & Europe Mathieu Carluer will be speaking on a forward-looking topic:
Benefits and Challenges of an Advanced Architecture for the Control Room of the Future.”

This session will explore how innovative architectures can transform control room operations, enhance system reliability, and address the evolving challenges of the energy sector.

We’re looking forward to connecting with global experts, sharing insights, and contributing to the future of energy systems.
📍 See you in Montréal!
Kenny GUILLOUCHE