Grid Integration and GPS Studies of Renewables with PSSE - PDE1008

This program gives you hands-on training in PSSE for renewable grid integration with a focus on Generator Performance Standards (GPS) studies in the National Electricity Market (NEM). Delivered with Siemens, the course mirrors real industry workflows and equips you with practical skills that are in high demand. You will learn to perform compliance assessments, run load flow and dynamic simulations, and automate studies with Python. Designed for engineers, consultants, and professionals working in renewable energy, this program builds the expertise and confidence needed to advance your career in grid connection and compliance.

Over five days, the program takes a structured, practical approach to developing your skills in PSSE for renewable energy grid studies, a core capability sought after across the industry. Starting with a 14-bus IEEE test system, you will progress through load flow analysis, short-circuit studies, and contingency planning, before applying these techniques to real-world GPS compliance scenarios in the NEM.

A strong emphasis is placed on dynamic simulations and automation. You will run RMS studies, validate models, and test contingency events, while also learning how to automate PSSE workflows with Python, skills that improve both efficiency and accuracy in professional practice.

The program is enriched by industry insights from Siemens engineers, grid operators, and consultants, ensuring your technical learning is directly aligned with the expectations of regulators and employers. By bridging theory and practice, it positions you to take on more complex projects and responsibilities.

Whether you are looking to enter the renewable energy sector or deepen your expertise, this course provides a competitive edge. You will leave with the applied knowledge and confidence to conduct GPS studies to industry standards, enhancing your value to employers and expanding your career opportunities in grid integration and compliance.

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At a glance

Fees

A$4,500 ex. GST for in-person attendance. A$4,050 ex. GST for online classes.

For early bird, until December 20, we have early bird discount of 15%. No discount code required as the platform automatically adjusts the price.

Online Course Fee: To access the fee for the online version of the course, use the code "PSSEOnline" at the checkout.

Alumni discounted fees

30% discount for Monash students and alumni (only applicable after the early bird date) with the discount code "MONASH30" for in-person and "Online+30" for online attendance.

Who should attend

This course is designed for:

  • Power system engineers and consultants involved in renewable energy integration and generator connection studies.
  • Utility and network service provider staff who assess GPS compliance and system strength.
  • Developers and project engineers working on wind, solar, and storage projects seeking to understand regulatory and technical requirements.
  • Early-career professionals and graduate engineers aiming to build hands-on expertise with PSSE and strengthen their career prospects in the renewable energy sector.

What you will learn

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  • Confidently navigate PSSE’s interface, modules, and workflows for grid integration studies.
  • Build and validate test systems (e.g., IEEE 14-bus) and extend them to realistic grid connection scenarios.
  • Perform load flow, short-circuit, and contingency analyses in alignment with Generator Performance Standards (GPS) requirements in the NEM on both SMIB and wide-area systems.
  • Conduct dynamic simulations (RMS studies, model validation, fault applications) to assess system stability and GPS compliance.
  • Apply automation techniques in PSSE with Python to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in wide-area studies.
  • Understand the regulatory and technical expectations of AEMO, NSPs, and consultants when submitting GPS compliance studies.
  • Develop professional-grade reports and documentation to support grid connection applications.
  • Strengthen career prospects by gaining practical, industry-relevant skills in one of the most in-demand areas of renewable energy engineering.

Program structure

Day 1: PSSE Introduction & Load Flow Fundamentals

  • Introduction to PSSE interface, modules, and workflows
  • Overview of Generator Performance Standards (GPS) in the NEM
  • Building and validating the IEEE 14-bus test case
  • Load flow analysis fundamentals

Day 2: Short-Circuit Analysis & Contingencies

  • Performing short-circuit analysis in PSSE
  • Contingency analysis aligned with NER requirements
  • Adding new generators and assessing system-strength and breaker duty impacts
  • Practical exercises in compliance assessment and reporting

Day 3: Automation in PSSE using Python

  • Introduction to the PSSE scripting environment (Python API)
  • Automating load-flow, short-circuit, and contingency studies
  • Developing efficient, repeatable workflows for wide-area studies
  • Hands-on lab: Python-driven PSSE studies

Day 4: Dynamic Modelling & Simulation

  • Running RMS dynamic simulations in PSSE
  • DLLs, DYR files, playback models, channel setup, and monitoring
  • Applying faults and disturbances for GPS compliance testing
  • Case studies: contingency-driven dynamic analysis

Day 5: Dynamic Fault Studies & Compliance Scenarios

  • Applying GPS-related dynamic fault scenarios
  • Dynamic Model Acceptance Test (DMAT)-compliant fault studies on a SMIB model
  • Wide-area studies for NER compliance (S5.2.5.5, S5.2.5.12)
  • Special Protection Schemes (SPS) while maintaining NER compliance

Dr Behrooz Bahrani

Dr Behrooz Bahrani
Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University Director, Grid Innovation Hub

Dr Behrooz Bahrani received his Ph.D. degree from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland, in electrical engineering in 2012. Currently, he is a Professor at Monash University, where he is also the director of the Grid Innovation Hub.

He was recently a visiting academic at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Prior to joining Monash University, he was a postdoctoral fellow at several international universities including EPFL, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, and the Technical University of Munich. His research interests include control of power electronics systems, applications of power electronics in power systems, and grid integration of renewable energy resources.

Sajjad Hadavi, PhD

Sajjad Hadavi, PhD

  • Siemens PTI Manager
  • Principal Power System Engineer
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering from Monash University
  • Involved in multiple (4 GW renewable connection) at different stages
  • Lead engineer in the first Wind and grid forming Battery hybrid project in Australia
Seyed Hossein Daneshvar, PhD 

Seyed Hossein Daneshvar, PhD

  • Siemens PTI Team Member
  • Senior Power Systems Engineer
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering from Monash University
  • Experienced Power Electronics Engineer with an in-depth knowledge of inverters, high-current battery chargers, solar chargers, and control systems

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Are there any prerequisites for this course?

A basic understanding of power systems is recommended, but prior experience with PSSE is not required. The course is designed to support both early-career professionals and experienced engineers looking to strengthen their skills.

2) Is the course available online as well as on campus?

Yes. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with full access for both on-campus and online participants.

3) Do we get the PSSE software?

Yes. We will provide access to the PSSE software and licence for use during the course.

4) Do I need to use my own device?

You will need to use your own PSSE compatible device. Please be aware that PSSE is only compatible on the WINDOWS operating system.

5) What payment methods are available?

You can pay by credit card via the registration link on the website. If you are unable to pay by card, we can also arrange payment by invoice and bank transfer. Invoice generation typically takes up to 5 business days. To request an invoice, please send us your name, email address, billing address, and attendance type (online or in-person).

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