EirGrid engineer scoops two prestigious global energy awards

Taulant Kërçi, power system specialist at EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, has been awarded both the prestigious 2026 ESIG Excellence Award, and IEEE’s 2025 Best Paper Award for outstanding contributions to the global renewable energy industry. 

The Excellence Awards by the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG), is an annual programme which recognises energy professionals from around the world for their accomplishments toward the planning, operation and advancement of energy systems, in ways that are economic and sustainable. 

Kërçi has been acknowledged for his work in advancing reliable large load integration across ESIG, IEEE, CIGRE, and other international forums through open knowledge sharing and technical excellence. His contributions have helped shape best practice approaches for system operators worldwide, strengthening the collective understanding of how to integrate complex new demands into modern power systems. 

Speaking following receipt of his award Kërçi, said: "EirGrid plays a central role in Ireland’s drive to reduce emissions and meet national climate ambitions. Our involvement with organisations such as ESIG ensures we continue to draw on world leading research and global best practice. This collaboration strengthens our ongoing work to deliver a more reliable, secure and resilient electricity grid for Ireland. 

He added: "This award is a valued recognition of the commitment and expertise across EirGrid, as we work to ensure that 80% of Ireland’s electricity comes from renewable sources in line with Government targets. It highlights Ireland’s position at the forefront of global power system development and our dedication to building a cleaner, more secure energy future."

Earlier this year, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world's largest technical professional organisation dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, awarded Kërçi their 2025 Best Paper Award in their Journal of Power and Energy for his findings on “Asymmetry of Frequency Distribution in Power Systems: Sources, Estimation, Impact and Control”. 

This paper examines a new real‑world issue in power systems with high levels of inverter‑based renewable generation: an uneven, or asymmetric, distribution of system frequency. It explains why this asymmetry can lead to poorer frequency control and make overall system operation less effective. 

Kërçi noted: "Research and contributions to papers like this are essential to EirGrid’s work, as they deepen our understanding of emerging system challenges and support the development of innovative, evidence‑based solutions. By sharing this knowledge with our global partners, we help strengthen collective expertise across the energy sector and advance the safe, reliable evolution of power systems worldwide."

In its role as transmission system operator, EirGrid is aiming to transform Ireland’s electricity grid to make it renewable-ready, in line with climate action plan commitments.