New Distribution System Technology Conference 2026 Opens in Beijing to Advance Smart Grid Transformation

Beijing, 5 June 2026 — The New Distribution System Technology Conference 2026 convened in Beijing on 4–5 June, bringing together over 100 experts from government bodies, grid corporations, research institutes, universities and industrial sectors. Hosted by the China Energy Research Society and the Zhongguancun Smart Power Industry Technology Alliance, with co-organisation from the Beijing University-Enterprise Cooperation Promotion Association, the event operates under the theme “Policies & Insights · Grid Renewal”. Discussions centre on technological innovation, intelligent transformation, digital convergence and disaster resilience in next-generation distribution networks.

The opening ceremony was chaired by the Deputy Director-General and Secretary-General of the China Energy Research Society. Addresses were delivered by the Director-General of the China Energy Research Society, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Tianjin University, and a professor at Wuhan University and Chairman of the Zhongguancun Smart Power Industry Technology Alliance.

In his address, the Director-General of the China Energy Research Society noted that high penetration of distributed renewable energy and growing new loads demand accelerated flexibility, digitalisation and intelligence in distribution grids. He called for strengthened cross-sector collaboration, unified technical standards, deeper industry-academia-research integration to streamline technology transfer, and enhanced multi-level talent development to underpin industrial growth.

The academician from Tianjin University emphasised that distribution networks have evolved from passive end grids to primary platforms for renewable energy integration and value creation, requiring a paradigm shift from “load-following generation” to “source-grid-load-storage interaction”. He outlined five strategic priorities: architecture-led coordination of transmission, distribution and microgrids; AI-driven digital transformation; customer-centric multi-value services; robust security resilience; and green low-carbon transition. He added that collaborative innovation across sectors will support China’s energy ambitions.

The Wuhan University professor observed that modern distribution systems are evolving into regional resource optimisation platforms. Core to this evolution is the integration of artificial intelligence and digital twins, building layered frameworks for sensing, cognition, decision-making and execution. Key technologies include data fusion, modelling, secure information exchange and intelligent system development, alongside human-machine collaboration and ecosystem building.

Invited presentations were delivered by senior representatives from the State Grid Corporation of China and China Southern Power Grid. The State Grid executive outlined digital transformation strategies for distribution management, detailing smart equipment features and AI applications such as intelligent inspection, outage analysis and asset health monitoring. The Southern Power Grid executive focused on operational monitoring and coordination pain points, proposing the “Dianhong” operating system as a foundation for universal terminal connectivity, data barrier removal, and large-scale coordinated operation of transmission, distribution and microgrids. The system enhances real-time sensing, intelligent analysis and coordinated dispatch, supporting smart grid transformation.

Technical sessions featured in-depth discussions on critical technologies and practical pathways. Presentations covered AI integration with distribution networks, including smart inspection and predictive maintenance use cases. Other topics included technical breakthroughs in planning, operation and intelligence for high distributed energy penetration, and new paradigms such as zero-carbon parks, vehicle-to-grid integration and source-grid-load-storage coordination. Additional addresses focused on rural grid evolution, flexible control and reliable supply, proposing hybrid AC/DC distribution technologies to enhance rural power reliability and support industrial revitalisation. A further presentation showcased video-point cloud fusion solutions for distribution channel safety, enabling millimetre-level tree obstacle ranging and external damage early warning.

Parallel sessions included a high-level dialogue on “AI-Enabled Power Supply Reliability”, where experts explored AI applications in smart sensing, coordinated control and resilience enhancement for distribution networks.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the conference provides a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation, aligning with national strategies for energy transition and digital development. Outcomes are expected to accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies, promote industry standards and foster talent,