Workshops & Tutorials

Workshop/Tutorial	Title	Summary	Organizer(s)
Workshop	Integrated Energy Modelling Workshop with M3 and Open Insights	This workshop, presented by the Energy Modelling Hub and SESIT from the University of Victoria, will introduce the M3 Modelling Platform and some of the Open Insights suite of models, emphasizing their role in energy system analysis and policymaking. The M3 Platform is an open-source, integrated framework built around three core components—data (CODERS), models, and visualization tools (IDEA)—to support transparent, collaborative energy system analysis. The Open Insights suite, part of the M3 Platform, addresses complex decarbonization challenges through detailed sectoral and system-wide modeling. A key focus will be the CIMS-COPPER-SILVER workflow, a cutting-edge, linked-model approach that integrates energy demand, capacity expansion, and electricity dispatch models to assess the impact of policies on energy demand and supply. Participants will explore how this integrated approach enhances decision-making by capturing feedback loops between demand-side choices and power system evolution. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on exercises, attendees will gain practical experience with M3’s capabilities and learn how to leverage its models for evidence-based energy policy analysis. As this will be a hands-on workshop, it is suggested that you bring a laptop. Pre-Workshop Instructions (Download) Visit https://m3.cme-emh.ca for more information on the tools that will be showcased. Pre-registration (optional) link to come.	Madeleine Seatle (University of Victoria); Edouard Clement (Energy Modelling Hub)
Workshop	Avoiding death by demonstrations: Advancing innovation through to deployment	In this workshop, we will examine how academics, researchers, vendors, regulators, and utilities can better collaborate in the innovation and research sphere to investigate and develop promising innovations. Activities will include breakouts to identify best practices to create and advancing meaningful projects within the theme of distribution grid modernization.	Steven Wong (Natural Resources Canada)
Tutorial	Introduction to machine learning and its real-world power system applications	This tutorial provides a comprehensive introduction to the application of machine learning techniques, specifically neural networks (NN) and reinforcement learning (RL), for solving optimal power flow (OPF) problems in three-phase power systems. Attendees will gain insights into the fundamentals of NN and RL, explore their use cases in OPF, and learn about industry applications from experts. This tutorial is ideal for researchers, engineers, and practitioners interested in leveraging machine learning for power system optimization. Join us to explore cutting-edge techniques and their practical implementations in the industry.	Mostafa Farrokhabadi (University of Calgary); Mehrdad Pirnia (University of Waterloo)
Tutorial	Integrating IBRS: Key Challenges and Solutions	With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, traditional synchronous generators are progressively replaced by inverter-based resources (IBRs). As the power grid transitions to one dominated by IBRs, maintaining grid stability becomes a critical concern, given the underexplored dynamic phenomena associated with IBRs' physical and control characteristics. Additionally, integrating IBRs introduces complications in power system protection, which requires new approaches to ensure reliable operation. The tutorial discusses these challenges in detail, focusing on the high penetration of IBRs and weak grid conditions. It also covers mitigation techniques, such as adaptive controls and advanced protection solutions, to help address the stability and protection issues associated with the evolving power grid.	Sahar Pirooz Azad (University of Waterloo); Mostafa Farrokhabadi (University of Calgary)