The distinguished lecture- Towards Electrified Green Infrastructure was delivered by Prof. Richard Zhang, at 14.00 pm on 8th Nov 2023. The topic for the seminar is Electrified Green Infrastructure Power Conversion, including grid of the future with renewables and energy storage integration, HVDC/MVDC and FACTS, Intelligent Energy Router and microgrid; fast EV charging infrastructure; green hydrogen production; and data center power solutions. The event was attended by 20 in-person and online attendees and chaired by Prof. Xiao-Ping Zhang. Prof. Richard Zhang is a professor with the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) and a Fellow of IEEE. Currently, Prof. Zhang was named the Hugh P. and Ethel C. Kelly Chair at Virginia Tech.

Prof. Richard Zhang started her presentation with the following aspects:

• Application of HVDC/MVDC and FACTS technologies to improve the efficiency and stability of power transmission.
• Concept of smart energy routers and microgrids for a more resilient and reliable energy supply.
• Development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to facilitate the spread of clean transportation and explore innovations in green hydrogen production and data center power solutions.
• Cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for the future of power conversion and green infrastructure, and their great potential for a sustainable energy future.

The participants actively participated in the questions and discussions, injecting fresh ideas and innovative perspectives into the seminar. Prof. Zhang patiently answered students’ questions on sustainable energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and green hydrogen production, providing leadership for the younger generation’s academic interests and future research directions.

Finally, Prof. Xiao-Ping Zhang and Prof. Richard Zhang concluded the lecture with insights into the cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for the future of power conversion and green infrastructure.

By Zixuan Jia

Vice-chair, UoB IEEE Student Branch