Professor Vaessen is taking up a part-time chair in the university’s renowned Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
DELFT, The Netherlands - 29 November 2017 - It is with pride that we announce that Peter Vaessen, Segment Director Future Transmission Grids at DNV GL, today gives his inaugural lecture as a professor of the Technical University of Delft (TU Delft). After a career of 32 years of building up in-depth knowledge of power grids from all over the world, Professor Vaessen is taking up a part-time chair in the university’s renowned Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, sharing his expertise with the next generation of energy professionals. During his lecture, which is open to all comers, he will look at the evolving challenges and continued need for high-voltage transmission grids as the world transitions to a greener energy future.
Ditlev Engel, CEO DNV GL - Energy: “In a communication world of alternative facts, DNV GL believes we can only make the change towards a cleaner and reliable energy system if we build and share in depth knowledge based on insights from science, reliable data and real facts. Peter’s in-depth expertise in transmission and distribution grids is a great asset to our customers now, and for the next generations. As professor, he will share his fact-based knowledge and passion for energy with talented young people who can take his ideas further to build a true green energy future.”
“We are using more and more electricity, especially as transportation, heating and cooling increasingly switch to electrical power. The world will need bright minds to keep the lights on in this electrified future. As someone who really enjoys passing on knowledge, I’m hugely excited to have this chance to play a part in training the next generation and share my first-hand practical know-how at a world-renowned institute,” Professor Vaessen says of his appointment.
In his inaugural lecture, Professor Vaessen will outline his vision of the future in which his students may later work. It’s a vision of a rapidly changing power system due to the switch to electricity as the ‘fuel of choice’ and the rise of renewables as the dominant source of energy. These trends make reliability and stability of supply even more pressing issues for power systems, and will lead to higher grid voltages, exponential growth in power electronics and a mixture of AC and DC transmission infrastructure – the so-called hybrid grid. Professor Vaessen will explain how these trends will impact grids and their core components, as well as discussing the challenges involved in testing such systems to ensure reliability.
“I have to admit to being a little envious of today’s students of high-voltage systems,” Vaessen adds. “They are starting their careers at such an exciting time. And energy is the most exciting area to be in. Some people say that renewables and distributed generation are the end of high-voltage grids. But I believe it is the start of whole new chapter full of exhilarating challenges to help the world solve big societal questions. The future is electric.”
Professor Vaessen will give his inaugural lecture at 15:00 on 29 November at TU Delft. It is open to the general public, and can also be followed online here.
About Peter Vaessen
Peter Vaessen joined KEMA, now part of DNV GL, in 1985 after gaining a cum laude MSc in electrical engineering from Eindhoven Technical University (TU/e). In his 32-year career, he has built up a wealth of knowledge of power grids from all over the world, holding numerous research positions focusing on large power transformers, high-voltage measurement & testing, transmission grids and HVDC and published numerous academic papers. In 2015, he began teaching courses on high-voltage technology at the TU Delft on an ad interim basis. Following a thorough recruitment process, he was appointed as a part-time professor in the university’s DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage group in February 2017.
About DNV GL
DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable our customers to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping customers in the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener.
In the power and renewables industry
DNV GL delivers world-renowned testing and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. Learn more at dnvgl.com/energy.