Advanced Energy Management Systems and Power Electronic Solutions for the Next-Generation Smart Grid

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid integration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles (EVs), and distributed energy resources (DERs) is driving a transformative shift in modern power systems. At the core of this transformation is the smart grid, a dynamic, digitalized network that requires advanced control, communication, and energy management strategies to ensure stability, flexibility, and efficiency. Simultaneously, power electronics is playing a critical role as the interface between energy sources, storage systems, and the grid, enabling bidirectional power flow, high-efficiency conversion, and real-time control.

This Special Issue aims to bring together recent innovations and research efforts that lie at the intersection of energy management systems (EMS) and power electronic technologies within the context of smart grid applications. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that focus on novel architectures, algorithms, hardware implementations, and control strategies that support a resilient, adaptive, and secure smart grid.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Intelligent EMS for decentralized and centralized smart grids;
• Coordinated control of DERs, microgrids, and virtual power plants (VPPs);
• Integration of EVs and battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the grid;
• Grid-connected converters, inverters, and solid-state transformers;
• Power electronic interfaces for renewable energy systems (PV, wind, fuel cells);
• Real-time simulation, digital twins, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platforms;
• Predictive and adaptive control methods using AI and machine learning;
• Cyber–physical security and fault-resilient EMS in power-electronic-dominated grids.

We encourage interdisciplinary submissions that address system-level challenges, such as power quality, stability, harmonics, protection, and energy optimization, as well as studies demonstrating field implementations or experimental validation.

By focusing on the synergies between EMS and power electronics, this Special Issue aims to provide valuable insights into how modern technologies can be harnessed to shape the next-generation smart grid—one that is intelligent, green, and future-proof.

Dr. Armel Asongu Nkembi
Dr. Nicola Delmonte
Prof. Dr. Paolo Cova
Guest Editors

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