As renewable energy projects continue to grow in scale, understanding how grid code requirements influence the performance of generating assets is becoming an increasingly important area of power systems engineering.
One topic attracting growing attention is reactive power capability. While a renewable energy plant may have a significant installed generating capacity, the amount of active power that can be exported is also influenced by reactive power capability requirements and wider network constraints. Understanding these interactions is essential for achieving grid code compliance and making informed decisions during the planning stage of a project.
It is this challenge that forms the basis of research by Enspec Power Senior Power Systems Engineer Muhammad Hanan Azam, whose peer-reviewed paper has been accepted for presentation at IEEE PECon 2026.
Taking place on 10-11 August in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, IEEE Power and Energy Conference (PECon) is an international conference organised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It brings together researchers, academics and practising engineers from across the world to present research that advances the power and energy sector.
Muhammad’s paper, Maximum Active Power Dispatch Considering Grid Code Reactive Power Capability Requirements: A Wind Farm Case Study, examines how maximum feasible active power dispatch can be determined while satisfying the applicable grid code reactive power capability requirements at the Point of Connection (PoC).
The proposed methodology considers the interaction between active power, reactive power and network constraints to provide greater visibility of the maximum compliant dispatchable capacity, and is demonstrated through a wind farm case study. This can support network operators and renewable energy developers when assessing suitable Registered Capacity or Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) values while maintaining compliance with applicable grid codes.
Commenting on the paper’s acceptance, Enspec CEO Mara Rastall said:
“Research has an important role to play in the future of engineering. It allows us to challenge established approaches, deepen our understanding of complex technical issues and share knowledge that benefits the wider industry. We’re delighted to see Muhammad’s work recognised through the IEEE PECon peer review process and look forward to seeing him represent Enspec at an international conference.”
For Enspec, research forms an important part of the way the business approaches engineering. Alongside delivering consultancy for complex power systems projects, our engineers continue to contribute to the wider profession through technical publications, conference presentations and the development of practical methodologies that support the energy transition.
Muhammad will present his research to delegates from across academia and industry during IEEE PECon 2026.
Following the conference, we’ll be speaking with Muhammad about the presentation, the thinking behind the research and what the findings could mean for future renewable energy developments.
