36th Faraday Memorial Lecture | From Induction to Intelligent Grids: Bridging Legacy and Innovation | Shri Venkata Sivaram Vaddamanu
The IEEE Hyderabad Section is pleased to present the 2026 iteration of the Faraday Memorial Lecture, an annual lecture series instituted in 1991 to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Michael Faraday, whose pioneering work on electromagnetic induction laid the foundations of modern electrical engineering.
Faraday’s discoveries transformed our understanding of electricity and magnetism and ultimately enabled technologies that power modern civilization. More than 150 years later, the principles he established continue to underpin the electrical infrastructure that connects our homes, industries and societies.
Held annually on 22 September, the birth anniversary of Michael Faraday, the Faraday Memorial Lecture brings together eminent engineers and scientists to reflect on the evolution of electrical technology and its future. Over the years, the lecture has featured distinguished personalities from India and abroad, including Prof. Amulya K. N. Reddy, Prof. C. C. Chan, Prof. M. Poloujadoff, Prof. Bimal K. Bose, Prof. Arun G. Phadke, Dr. N. Hingorani, Padmasri B. L. Deekshatulu and several other eminent experts.
The 2026 lecture, titled “From Induction to Intelligent Grids: Bridging Legacy and Innovation,” will explore how the fundamental principles established by Faraday continue to shape the rapidly evolving power sector.
The lecture will trace the journey from Faraday’s early experiments in electromagnetic induction to today’s complex, interconnected power systems. It will examine the challenges emerging from large-scale renewable energy integration, inverter-based resources, grid digitization and the modernization of ageing electrical infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the session will explore the convergence of physics-based modelling, artificial intelligence, long-duration energy storage and resilient smart transmission systems, and how these technologies are transforming the conventional power grid into a dynamic and intelligent ecosystem.
The lecture will also highlight the increasingly important connection between academic research and industrial application, emphasizing how engineers can combine fundamental scientific understanding with emerging technologies to address the energy trilemma and work towards a sustainable, resilient and carbon-neutral energy future.
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- Starts 14 September 2026 11:30 AM UTC
- Ends 21 September 2026 06:30 PM UTC
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Shri Venkata Sivaram Vaddamanu of GE Vernova
From Induction to Intelligent Grids: Bridging Legacy and Innovation
This lecture explores the enduring legacy of Michael Faraday, whose foundational insights into electromagnetic induction remain the bedrock of modern electrical infrastructure. We will trace the historical trajectory from Faraday’s early experimentation to the realization of today’s complex, interconnected global power systems. By analyzing the current landscape—characterized by massive renewable integration, the rise of inverter-based resources, and critical digitization—we examine the technical challenges inherent in modernizing aging assets. The discussion then pivots to the future outlook, where physics-based modeling meets AI-driven stability, long-duration energy storage, and resilient smart transmission. We will address how these advancements are transforming the grid from a legacy conduit into a dynamic, active ecosystem capable of navigating the energy trilemma. This session bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application, demonstrating that Faraday’s spirit of inquiry is more relevant than ever. We conclude by highlighting the collaborative necessity for engineers to harmonize fundamental scientific wisdom with the visionary breakthroughs required for a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy future.
Biography:
Venkata Vaddamanu (Venkata), currently is working with GE Vernova in the Transmission area as Principal Engineer – Transmission Systems. He transitioned to this role, after having served as the Director – Customer Solution Engineering. He is based in Hyderabad, India. Venkata originally joined GE in October 2018 and established the Markets Team at the Hyderabad Technology Centre to support the product development and projects in the area of Wholesale Electricity Markets.
Prior to joining GE, Venkata has worked at pretty much all the giants in SCADA/Energy Management and Deregulation areas. He worked at GE, Siemens and ABB in the United States. He also worked at ERCOT (Electric Reliability Commission of Texas), an Independent System Operator in the Energy Deregulation area. Venkata has also worked as Deputy General Manager – Technology, CG Automation Division, with Crompton Greaves Ltd, Bangalore, India. He has been inducted into the Board of Governors, India Smart Grid Forum and represented CG in the IEEE promoted LVDC India Forum.
Venkata has a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
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