Thursday Tours/Tutorials

We are excited to offer exclusive Tours and Tutorials as part of the Grid of the Future Symposium, taking place on Thursday, November 13, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These events provide an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on insights and deeper understanding of key topics in our industry. Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon to secure your place in your preferred tour or tutorial!

There are three available events, one tour and two tutorials, all highlighted below. Each tour/tutorial costs $50 and will be added to your total registration cost once you select your preferred option. You can only attend one, so be sure to specify your choice when you register. If you change your mind, you can modify your selection later, as long as your new choice hasn’t reached capacity. 

How IEC-61850 SCT's Changed My Life

Thursday, November 13 | 8:00am-12:00pm | Hyatt Regency Denver - Agate

Hosted by:

Abstract:
This session will introduce the fundamental aspects of a top-down engineering process as described by the IEC 61850 standards in sections of parts 4 and 6 of the standard. These sections describe configuration files utilized in the design of a digital substation and how the engineering tools interact with these files during the process. The session will summarize the key aspects of these two parts of the standard including the fundamentals of the use of the tools and the files associated with the different steps of the engineering workflow. Finally, the session will describe benefits and efficiency and how they can be attained using the tools and processes described.

Tutorial Leaders:

Industry Visit: National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Thursday, November 13 | 8:00am-12:00pm | 15013 Denver W Pkwy

Hosted by:

Abstract:
As part of the Grid of the Future 2025 Conference, attendees are invited to join an industry visit to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. This visit will provide an overview of NREL’s core capabilities, strategic partnerships, and impactful projects focused on advancing grid technologies and system-level innovation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) and the Systems Performance Laboratory (SPL). ESIF supports research in areas such as grid reliability, cybersecurity, advanced controls, and power systems modeling, with utility-scale testing environments. SPL is focused on building systems optimization, controls testing, and evaluation of hardware and software for energy-efficient technologies in real-world conditions. This visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at how NREL is supporting grid modernization and innovation through integrated research and testing infrastructure.

NREL laboratory guidelines

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Sandals, flip flops, open-toed, or sling-back shoes are not allowed in NREL laboratories.
• Shorts are not allowed in NREL laboratories.
• Water bottles or other liquids are not allowed in NREL laboratories.
• Follow the instructions of your NREL host and security personnel at all times—especially in case of sounding alarms or other emergencies.

At this late time, no foreign nationals from sensitive countries can attend this tour. Only Real ID’s or passports are accepted as identification proof.

Abstract:
As data centers evolve into massive, power-intensive hubs driven by AI and cloud computing, they introduce new challenges to grid stability—particularly through sub-synchronous oscillations (SSOs) and complex interactions with inverter-based resources (IBRs). This tutorial explores the emerging power quality risks posed by SSOs in modern data centers, the limitations of traditional monitoring systems, and the transformative role of continuous waveform monitoring. Attendees will gain insights into high-speed, time-domain analysis using advanced metering technologies, and learn how waveform data can enhance situational awareness, protect sensitive equipment, and support grid-wide diagnostics. The session will bridge theory and application, offering strategies to ensure reliability, and maintain energy accountability in increasingly dynamic power environments.

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