Nouredine Hadjsaid of University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP⋆, G2Elab, Grenoble, France

The energy sector, especially electric power systems, is fundamental to modern society. and is poised to play an increasingly vital role in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. With approximately 70% of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from energy used by industrial, commercial, institutional, residential, and transportation sectors, decarbonizing their energy supply is essential. Elevating electrification - by shifting from fossil fuels to electricity - emerges as a key strategy, exemplified by electric vehicles, energy-efficient buildings powered by renewables, and industrial process changes. 

To meet climate goals, the share of electricity in final energy consumption must rise from 20-25% today to 50-60% by 2050. This transition requires integrating large-scale variable renewable energy sources into resilient grids, plus fundamentally transforming system design, planning, and operation. The short timeline presents significant challenges demanding rapid investments, increased intelligence, and enhanced flexibility. The role of metrology for enhancing observability with sufficient accuracy at the distribution grid and coordination between Transmission and Distribution System Operators (TSO/DSO) will be highlighted. This is a critical aspect of the intensified electrification and maintaining the system resilience. The presentation will explore key decarbonization challenges, their impact on power system evolution, and emerging paradigm shifts, with insights and examples from decarbonization in France.

Biography:

     Nouredine Hadjsaïd received Ph.D. and the “Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches” Degrees from Grenoble Institute of Technology in 1992 and 1998 respectively. He is a Full Professor at the Engineering and Management Institute of the University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France, a Principal Investigator at CNRS@CREATE Singapore, and a Visiting Professor at ERIAN/NTU since 2019. He is also Director and ENEDIS Industrial Chair of Excellence on “SmartGrids” since 2013, and President of Scientific Council of Think SmartGrids France, the French industrial branch on SmartGrids, since 2016. 
     He was Director General of the Electrical Engineering lab (G2Elab – CNRS/UGA), 2018-2025, Director General of a Joint EDF, Schneider Electric, and G2Elab Innovation Center (IDEA: Inventer la Distribution Electric de l’Avenir) on SmartGrids and Renewable Energy Integration, 2001-2013, and “Artificial Intelligence for Energy” Chair with the MIAI Institute (Grenoble Institute on Artificial Intelligence), 2019-2024. 
     Dr. Hadjsaïd has published over 300 scientific papers in international referred journals and conferences, and has authored/co-authored and directed seven books on Power Engineering and SmartGrids. He served as IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Vice-President of New Initiatives and Outreach, 2022-2025; IEEE PES Treasurer, 2018-2022; and the French representative at the International Energy Agency (IEA) – ENARD, 2009-2012. 

Address:University Grenoble Alpes, , Grenoble, Rhooe-Alpes, France