Power system black start of a large, isolated power system

Complete shutdowns of large isolated power systems—requiring a black start—are rare but high-impact events that can disrupt entire regions. As modern power systems grow more complex, incorporating diverse energy sources with varying characteristics, the likelihood of such shutdowns is increasing. This growing complexity, combined with reduced system inertia, makes power grids more vulnerable to large disturbances and total blackouts.

In such scenarios, restoring the system to normal operation presents significant technical challenges, particularly for standalone power systems without external interconnections. These challenges include restarting generation, energizing transmission lines, and addressing critical dependencies such as substation batteries. Severe weather events further exacerbate the risks, often causing widespread network damage that compounds restoration efforts.

This discussion will delve into the causes of complete system shutdowns, the technical challenges of black start operations, and the strategies employed to minimize restoration time. Key focus areas include:

• Generation Resilience: The availability and capability of black start resources.
• Transmission Network Recovery: Overcoming the complexities of energizing transmission systems and stabilizing the network.
• Standalone System Challenges: Unique issues faced by isolated grids, where restoration times can extend to hours or even days.

With electricity being a critical infrastructure, the economic and social impact of total system shutdowns is greater than ever. Through case studies and practical examples, this session will highlight the importance of planning, technology, and resilience in managing one of the most complex scenarios in power systems.

Stay tuned for more details about this insightful event hosted by EESA, where experts will share their knowledge and strategies to address this critical challenge in modern power systems.

Features

Laurie Curro

Speakers

Laurie has been working in the electrical utility industry for over 40 years. He has held Executive roles in Horizon Power and senior management roles in Western Power and in consulting practices such as SKM. He has had senior management roles in Network Operations and Network planning and development. After spending some years in field operations in the early parts of his career, he moved to distribution design and planning where he worked on pivotal projects such as the Perth CBD automation project. However, he has spent over a third of his career in network operations, emergency and crisis management during which time he managed the establishment of the NOCC control centre in Perth after the May1994 storms. He is currently working a senior advisor in that area as the industry progresses through the current energy transition. He Graduated in 1982 from the Western Australian institute of technology now Curtin university and hold a post graduate degree in Electrical engineering from the University of Western Australia as well as a post graduate diploma in management from Deakin University. Lauri​e is a fellow of Engineers Australia and a senior member of the IEEE.