Maintaining stability in the power grid has become a more significant challenge as we get more and more of our energy from wind and solar power plants. These power plants do not have the built-in inertia of conventional power plants, so they have no reserve energy that can be switched on if a generator fails or a power line is cut. This can lead to a rapid drop in frequency and destabilisation of the grid – and in the worst case, a blackout. The digital transformation of power systems' protection, automation and control is evolving rapidly. This digitisation of the power grid is considered a requirement of the smart grid. Advanced telecommunications networks and smart grid technologies will help the grid meet this demand for clean electricity. IEC 61850 has standardised communication, connectivity and interoperability within and between substations' automation systems.

All equipment can use standardised communication language independent of the vendor, optimising the existing power system infrastructure. However, this area has a shortage of skilled electrical power grid engineers. A significant change in skillset is required from the traditional engineering and installation of substations. Digitised and digitalised wide-area systems with virtualisation of protection and control functions and grid models are the future of power systems operations. This process significantly changes how the utility designs installations and operates the power system. The transformation will affect many enterprise activities tied to the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, asset management, and financing of transmission substations.

There is a shortage of skilled electrical digital power system professionals in this area. We need to expand our programme offering to adapt to the changing industry requirements. We can develop and lead this transformation with the collaboration of industry professionals (ESB, Consultants) and vendors (ABB, Siemens). Collaboration between industry and universities can be a potent source of innovation and new technology. In a great stride towards this direction, MTU has recently funded new electrical test and simulation equipment, and ABB has contributed its expertise and digital protection equipment to support the cause. The direct result of this cooperation is the opening of MTU's first power automation and protection academy (PAPA) in partnership with ABB.

The main task for successfully adopting the new digitalised power grid is to educate and train the existing workforce to acquire new digital skills. Grid engineers must deeply understand how to configure, test and maintain digital protection systems and communications equipment. These additional practical and digital protection skills for professional and graduate power grid engineers are essential in the current climate due to the lack of experienced power engineers with digital protection skills and experience.