Who
Dr. Nikolaos Sifakis
When
16 Jan 2026, 12:00 Athens time, Science Building 145Π58
Title
Electric Power Systems as the Backbone of Smart Energy Systems: Operation, Flexibility, and Data-Driven Decision Support
Abstract
Modern Electric Power Systems (EPS) are being transformed at an incredible pace, as the integration of renewable resources, flexible loads and distributed resources continues to increase the uncertainty and complexity of operating such systems. As the infrastructure of EPS has remained relatively stable, the way that they are operated, planned and decisions made about them is changing dramatically. This presentation explores the operation and planning of EPS within the context of increasing uncertainty and complexity with an emphasis on system level modeling, optimization, and data driven decision support. The research trajectory presented in this paper spans from building real scale systems and ports/industrial applications, to small islands/weak grid configurations, to large-scale integrated energy systems, each studied under the same principles of power system operations as applied to the real world. In addition to forecasting and optimization techniques, multi-criteria decision making methodologies have been developed across the trajectory to provide operational support while respecting both the physical limitations of the EPS as well as the temporal limitations and reliability constraints of such systems. Additionally, data-driven methodologies have been developed to improve predictive accuracy, to enable the exploration of alternative scenarios, and to improve the transparency of decisions made regarding the operation of EPS, without diminishing the importance of physics-based power system models. Concluding, the presentation will provide an overview of the scientific contributions made to date and will outline the foundational elements necessary for initiating a new research cycle focused on developing operational intelligence, flexibility and decision support for EPS engineers and researchers working in today's evolving power system environment.
About the Speaker
Nikolaos Sifakis is an academic researcher working on the operation and planning of Electric Power Systems (EPS), with emphasis on system-level modeling, flexibility, and data-driven decision support under high renewable penetration. His research focuses on how power systems operate under uncertainty across different temporal and spatial scales, integrating forecasting, optimization, and decision-support methodologies within real-world operational constraints. He has been actively involved in numerous European research and innovation projects, contributing as a technical researcher and project manager to topics including renewable integration, hybrid energy systems, energy management systems, cold ironing, and flexibility-oriented power system operation. His work spans a wide range of application domains, including buildings, ports, islanded grids, and distributed energy systems. His academic activities combine applied research, participation in European projects, and teaching-related contributions, with a strong emphasis on linking foundational power system concepts to contemporary operational challenges. His research agenda is firmly rooted in EPS, addressing their evolving operational requirements in the context of the energy transition.
