DIRECTIONS Project Final Event

The DIRECTIONS project (DesIgn pRotECTIon and control of Offshore DC grids and eNergy hubS) looks towards electrical system design and analysis methods in order to achieve a more effective future system. The work addresses three key research gaps – optimal topological planning, tools and methods for mitigating control interactions, and more effective DC-side protection system design, as well as developing more general definitions and guidelines.

KU Leuven and Elia invite you to the final dissemination event where we will share key technical insights and project outcomes relating to the design, protection and control of offshore DC grids and energy hubs. 

Agenda: 

• 10:00-10:45 – Project context, industrial relevance, project introduction
  • Dirk Van Hertem (KU Leuven/Etch) - context
  • Joris Lemmens (Elia) - industrial context
  • Geraint Chaffey (KU Leuven/Etch) - project introduction
• 10:45-12:00 – Design and operation
  • Hakan Ergun (KU Leuven/Etch) - planning introduction
  • Giacomo Bastianel (KU Leuven/Etch) - fundamental work
  • Nils Charels (Elia) - industrial application
• 12:00-12:45 – Lunch
• 12:45-14:00 – Control interactions
  • Francesco Giacomo Puricelli, Jef Beerten (KU Leuven/Etch) - introduction
  • Jan Kircheis (KU Leuven/Etch), Francisco Javier Cifuentes Garcia (KU Leuven/Etch), Dongyeong Lee (KU Leuven/Etch) - fundamental work
  • Agbemuko Adedotun (Elia) - industrial application
• 14:00-15:15 – Protection
  • Geraint Chaffey (KU Leuven/Etch) - introduction
  • Merijn Van Deyck / Geraint Chaffey (KU Leuven/Etch), Abolfazl Mohammadi (KU Leuven/Etch) - fundamental work
  • Thomas Roose (Elia) - industrial application
• 15:15-16:00 – Project outcomes, benefit to industry, and conclusion
  • Dirk Van Hertem (KU Leuven/Etch)
  • Geraint Chaffey (KU Leuven/Etch)
• 16:00-17:30 – Reception

Practical details:

• Date: 17 March 2026
• Location: Irish College, Janseniusstraat 1, Leuven