Following two days of presentations and technical discussion at the IDC Technologies Earthing, Surge and Lightning Protection Conference in Birmingham, Enspec Power’s Earthing Studies team has returned with fresh insight into current industry practice and emerging challenges.
The conference explored a broad range of topics, including earthing, grounding, lightning protection, electrical safety, compliance, and power system design. Throughout the event, speakers examined how engineering theory can be strengthened through testing, site verification, risk assessment, and a clear understanding of operational requirements.
Reflecting on the event, Mehrdad Mokhtari, Earthing Studies Lead at Enspec Power, highlighted the industry’s growing focus on integrating design with practical implementation.
“The conference provided a comprehensive overview of modern earthing, grounding, lightning protection, electrical safety, compliance, and power system design practices. Across the sessions, there was a strong emphasis on bridging theoretical design with field verification, practical testing methods, risk assessment, regulatory obligations, and operational safety. The presentations highlighted how increasingly complex power infrastructure requires integrated approaches involving modelling, measurement, quality assurance, construction practices, and lifecycle management.”
Many of the topics discussed throughout the conference relate directly to the challenges encountered when delivering earthing studies for substations, renewable energy developments, industrial facilities, and grid connection projects. As power networks continue to evolve, engineers are increasingly required to combine detailed analysis with practical verification to ensure systems can be energised safely and operate as intended.
Enspec also contributed to the conference programme through two technical presentations.
Ayesha Irfan, Power Systems Engineer, presented Investigating Key Parameters in Lightning Risk Assessment (LRA) Using Automated Analysis. The presentation explored Enspec’s approach to lightning risk assessment and generated strong engagement from attendees.
Reflecting on the event, Ayesha said:
“Attending the conference was a highly valuable experience that provided some great overviews of current practices in earthing, grounding, lightning protection, and electrical safety. The sessions looked at both technical theory as well as some practical case studies, highlighting the importance of field verification and compliance with standards.
I also had the opportunity to present on Enspec’s approach to conducting lightning risk assessments. The presentation was well-received and generated strong audience engagement, with several thoughtful questions and discussions following the session. This was a valuable opportunity to share our work and exchange technical insights with industry peers.”
Graduate Electrical Engineer Awais Khawaja presented Parametric Evaluation of Induced and Earth Return Current Values in Power Cable Systems Under Steady State and Fault Conditions.
For Awais, presenting at a national industry conference represented an important professional milestone. It provided an opportunity to share his work with experienced engineers, receive feedback from specialists, and contribute to technical discussions taking place across the sector.
His presentation explored topics frequently considered during earthing studies, particularly where fault current behaviour and cable system performance influence wider network design decisions.
Reflecting on the experience, Awais said:
“The conference provided a great opportunity for us to present and discuss our work with others in the industry. Experts in the field were able to provide us with some invaluable advice to improve and further develop the technical side of our projects. Conversations with others in attendance really highlighted the significance of the work we are doing, and how our approach could help others who face the same challenges we are trying to overcome.
Presentations across the two-day event covered the entire breadth of Earthing and Lightning Protection studies. A good mix of both theoretical approaches and real-world solutions has undoubtedly helped to develop and strengthen my abilities in this field. I look forward to taking everything I’ve learnt on board and hopefully being able to utilise it in the future.”
Awais’s participation reflects Enspec’s commitment to developing engineers through meaningful project work and providing opportunities to contribute to wider industry discussions early in their careers.
The conference reinforced the importance of continued development within the earthing studies discipline. Discussions throughout the event highlighted both the technical challenges facing modern power infrastructure and the practical approaches being used to address them.
The insights gained over the two days will help inform future earthing studies, lightning risk assessments, and power system analysis projects delivered by the team.
We would like to thank IDC Technologies, the speakers, and all attendees who contributed to the event and engaged with our team throughout the conference.
