Invited Speakers

Brigitte Jaumard

Concordia University

Bratislav Misic

McGill University

Masarah Paquet-Clouston

Université de Montréal

Reihaneh Rabbany

McGill University

Marc Morissette

Hydro-Quebec

Nickie Menemenlis

IREQ

Toualith Jean-Marc Meango

IREQ

Dragan Komljenovic

IREQ

This presentation examines the challenges and solutions associated with strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure systems—particularly electric power grids—in the context of climate change, extreme weather events, cybersecurity threats, and other disruptive incidents. It highlights the strategies and measures necessary to improve the ability of power grids to anticipate, withstand, and recover from such events.

The presentation will also review recent blackout events in regions such as the Western Balkans, Canada, Iberian Peninsula, and others, and will outline methodologies for analyzing their root causes and consequences. We will explore how these disruptions affect the stability of energy systems, including the prevention of cascading failures, and identify the measures required to reinforce infrastructure resilience.

Special attention will be given to innovative approaches and technologies that can reduce the risk of blackouts, including advances in planning, design, monitoring, construction, and maintenance of energy facilities and associated critical infrastructure.

The aim is to provide a foundation for a broader discussion on viewing power grids as complex adaptive systems, and to outline recommendations for enhancing their resilience to climate change and other disruptive events. Ultimately, the goal is to help prevent major outages and ensure a more robust and stable energy supply in the face of future challenges.