Relay protection for power-electronics-dominated power grids: Technical challenges and future roadmap

The global energy transition is ushering in a new era of power electronic-dominated grids (PEDGs), to complement the increase in the widespread integration of renewable sources like wind and solar. It is reshaping traditional grid architecture and making way for more flexible, efficient and sustainable systems. However, this transformation introduces significant challenges to grid stability, especially for relay protection technologies. Traditional relay protection often falls ineffective in power-electronics dominated grids, increasing the risk of mis-operation or operation failure and compromising grid stability. Recognizing the dire need for advanced relay protection, this report presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape. It outlines technical challenges, potential innovative solutions, equipment development trends, emerging market opportunities and new business models in the field. It highlights the urgent need for a paradigm shift in protection strategies to counter technical constraints, outdated standards, and deal with the rise of distributed generation. The report calls for strategic standardization efforts, including updates to IEC 61850 and the development of verification standards for AI-based protection. It concludes its findings with a set of recommendations and stresses international collaboration to drive shared innovation and broaden global market access. This IEC societal and technology trend report was developed by the Societal and Technology Trend Working Group (STTWG) in the IEC Market Strategy Board (MSB). This IEC STTR is available for free download .