CIGRE New Zealand 2026 Summer Workshops
February 5 2026
OPAL-RT is joining CIGRE New Zealand for its Summer Workshops series. Focusing on the CIGRE B4 and B5 communities, these hybrid sessions offer industry insights through real-world case studies, diving into topics on DC systems and power electronics, as well as on protection and automation technologies. Demonstrations will showcase OPAL-RT’s HIL and SIL solutions for in-person attendees.
This is a unique chance to join power system professionals, academic researchers, Future Energy Networks (FAN) partners, and CIGRE NZ members for a deep dive into today’s industry challenges.

Type
Workshops | training sessions
Industry
Power systems
What to Expect
Workshop agenda
Morning sessions are available in hybrid format, while the afternoon’s demonstrations are exclusive for in-person attendees.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Karakia
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
CIGRE B4 and B5 overview and introduction
9:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Case studies related to grid integration using EMT tools
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
CIGRE New Zealand AGM
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch break
1:15 PM – 3:20 PM
Case studies related to grid integration using EMT tools, featuring OPAL-RT demonstrations (exclusive for in-person attendees)
3:20 PM – 3:30 PM
Closing Ceremony
Session Leaders
Join experts from OPAL-RT and the University of Auckland as they highlight the latest trends in co-simulation, cyber applications, black-box modeling, and more. Don’t miss the chance to learn from these bright minds.

President, CEO & CTO
Jean Bélanger
As an electrical engineer, Jean co-founded OPAL-RT in 1997 with the vision of bringing high-end real-time simulation tools to all engineers and scientists. Today, under his direction and technological leadership, OPAL-RT has become a world-renowned developer of advanced real-time simulators capable of simulating all types of mechanical and electrical systems. Prior to founding OPAL-RT, Jean led a successful career at Hydro-Québec in the domain of power system design and simulation, and is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Sales Director – Australia & New Zealand
Chris Genganantha
Chris Genganantha has been with OPAL-RT for more than a decade, with many years focused on the ANZ market. As OPAL-RT pushes to grow its worldwide presence, Chris plays a key role as the Australia and New Zealand Sales Director. Not only is his strategic leadership essential to identifying opportunities in the region, his customer-centric approach helps OPAL-RT maintain strong relationships with clients across domains spanning renewable energy, university research, and more.

Professor of Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering (University of Auckland)
Nirmal Nair
Nirmal Nair is a Professor of Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering at the University of Auckland. His current research is centered on integration of distributed/renewable energy sources to electricity system with emphasis on protection (IEC 61850, SPS, WAPS), energy markets (block-chain), innovations (Micro-grid, Storage, EV & PV integration, cyber-resilience, digital twins, machine learning and AI), low-carbon transitions and energy policy.
As an IEEE Fellow and a CIGRE Distinguished Member, Nirmal is involved in the IEEE New Zealand North Section, IEEE Power and Energy Society and CIGRE New Zealand National Committee

Research Fellow (University of Auckland)
Dr. Krishna Kumar
Dr. Krishna Kumar (SMIEEE) is a Research Fellow in Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering at the University of Auckland. He holds over 13 years of experience in academia, industry, and research institutions across India, Singapore, Sweden, and New Zealand.
His research interests include renewable energy integration, electrical equipment health monitoring, power system optimization, and data-driven approaches for sustainable energy systems.
Plan your visit
Connect with us
Contact us before, during, or after the workshop to schedule a personalized demo and learn more about OPAL-RT’s solutions for your projects. We are looking forward to meeting you!
President, CEO & CTO
Jean Bélanger
Sales Director – Australia & New Zealand




