PolyU and OPAL-RT launch joint lab for grid research

By AI, Created 10:09 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES signed an MoU on April 17, 2026 to create a joint laboratory focused on grid modernization. The partnership is meant to speed research in power system stability, inverter-based resources and smart grid technologies for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Why it matters: - The agreement links academic power-systems research with real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing. - The joint lab is aimed at speeding development of digital, intelligent and zero-carbon power grids. - The collaboration is positioned to support energy transition work in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and other markets.

What happened: - The Research Centre for Grid Modernisation at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 17, 2026. - The MoU establishes a Joint Laboratory between the two organizations. - The signing ceremony was led by Professor Chi-yung Chung, head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, chair professor of power systems engineering and RCGM director at PolyU. - Pierre-François Allaire, executive vice president of sales and marketing at OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES, also led the signing. - Weihua Wang, general manager of OPAL RT China, and other representatives from both organizations attended.

The details: - The partnership combines PolyU’s power-systems research strengths with OPAL-RT’s industrial expertise in hardware-in-the-loop simulation. - The joint work will target power system stability and control, inverter-based resources, smart grid development and other next-generation power engineering technologies. - The Joint Laboratory will serve as a platform for research in hardware-in-the-loop simulation and high-fidelity electromagnetic transient modelling. - The lab is intended to integrate advanced research, technology development and talent cultivation. - OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES has operated for more than 29 years in real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing. - The company has provided simulation technologies since 1997 and operates in more than forty countries. - RCGM describes itself as an international research platform focused on secure, sustainable and affordable power and energy systems. - RCGM connects with power and industrial sectors across mainland China and globally from Hong Kong.

Between the lines: - Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are at a key point in energy transition and grid modernization, which makes partnerships like this strategically useful for both research and deployment. - The MoU signals a push to shorten the distance between laboratory models and real-world grid applications. - The collaboration also gives PolyU and OPAL-RT a formal structure to exchange networks and align research with industry needs.

What’s next: - Both parties plan to use the Joint Laboratory to deepen interaction and explore new pathways for high-quality development in the power and energy sectors. - The partnership is expected to support future work on next-generation power grids and sustainable energy systems. - The long-term goal is to help shape zero-carbon, intelligent power grids. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.