The Inter-Open’s fourth training module, titled “Managing Complex Systems: Change Management in the Critical Infrastructure Domain” was held in Brussels, Belgium, on December 2 and 3.
On the first day, the meeting opened with a series of research presentations from all doctoral candidates. Each of us had the opportunity to share progress and receive direct feedback from our industry partners. The constructive remarks from SIEMENS ENERGY and ELIA helped us reflect on how our research can respond to practical needs in European energy infrastructure. The day concluded with an interactive software workshop led by CRESYM, focused on good coding practices for collaborative modelling and research development.
The second day focused on understanding how complex infrastructures evolve and how interoperability can be achieved in practice. TU Braunschweig introduced key concepts of complex systems and highlighted how Model-Based Systems Engineering can support both the design of new grid architectures and the adaptation of existing ones. Siemens Energy then discussed the manufacturer’s perspective on sharing information, addressing industrial constraints, and the risks associated with accelerating innovation. Elia followed with the TSO viewpoint, inviting doctoral candidates to reflect on what is technically ideal versus what can realistically be implemented in multi-vendor HVDC grids. The day concluded with a lively panel discussion involving SIEMENS ENERGY, ELIA, and CRESYM, where open questions were addressed and the practical challenges of interoperability were examined from multiple perspectives.
As the project progresses, our contributions as researchers to expanding knowledge of multi-vendor HVDC technologies within an interoperability framework increase. At this stage, as we become more deeply involved in our individual research, it becomes easier to identify collaboration opportunities within the group and direct our questions to different stakeholders, such as TSOs and vendors. The training module format, combined with workshops and open discussions, allowed us to maximize the benefits of this training for both the technical and legal aspects. This extensive learning experience brings us ever closer to our personal and group objectives.
Finally, on December 4th, the Mid-Term Check (MTC) with the European Research Executive Agency (REA) took place. The consortium reported on the project’s progress and discussed the work ahead. The Project Officer acknowledged the achievements already made and gave encouraging feedback on the direction of the research activities, successfully concluding the Mid-Term Check.
The three-day visit to Brussels was a positive experience, combining valuable training with active participation in the MTC meeting. Aside from the new insights we gained, we greatly appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with all those who strive to accomplish the objectives of Inter-oPEn.
Written by Alejandra Obando and Abdolhamid Farshadi.