Grid-Forming Converters (GFCs) in Power Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid integration of renewable energy sources and the ongoing transition toward low-inertia power systems have brought the concept of grid-forming converters (GFCs) to the forefront of power system research and practice. Unlike traditional grid-following converters, which rely on an existing grid voltage for synchronization, grid-forming converters actively establish voltage and frequency references, providing essential support to weak or islanded networks. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for state-of-the-art research, practical innovations, and future directions related to grid-forming converter technologies.

The topical collection focuses on the theory, design, modeling, control, and integration of grid-forming converters within modern power systems. The scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Advanced control strategies for grid-forming inverters and converters;
• Stability analysis and small-signal modeling in low-inertia systems;
• Interaction between grid-forming and grid-following converters;
• Applications in microgrids, islanded systems, and renewable integration;
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time simulation, and experimental validation;
• Standards, protection, and operational challenges in grid-forming deployments.

The purpose of this collection is to consolidate recent advancements and emerging trends in grid-forming converter technologies, offering a reference point for researchers, engineers, and system operators. It aims to foster discussions on how these technologies can enhance system stability, resilience, and the penetration of renewable energy sources. By highlighting practical implementations, control innovations, and system-level impacts, this issue seeks to bridge theoretical research with real-world applications.

While a growing body of research exists on grid-forming converters, much of the literature is scattered across various domains, including control theory, power electronics, and power system stability. This collection will supplement existing studies by providing an integrated perspective that links device-level design with system-level performance. By emphasizing both theoretical insights and experimental validations, it fills the gap between isolated research findings and practical deployment strategies, offering a unified resource for the academic and industrial communities.

Dr. Zhou He
Dr. Jiayang Wu
Prof. Dr. Fei Deng
Guest Editors

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