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CourseEnergy and Networks Applications open

Course in Black Start Strategies with Renewables

Online 300-hour course in black start strategies with renewables. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (emergency and restoration network code), Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (generator connection requirements) and PSCAD. Tutor assigned and enrolment open.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the phases and restoration strategies of the electricity system after a blackout.

02

Analyse the transient phenomena of islanded energisation.

03

Assess the capability of renewables and storage for autonomous start-up.

04

Size a start-up source based on grid-forming converters.

05

Design coordinated restoration sequences between transmission and distribution.

06

Interpret the European emergency and restoration framework.

07

Develop a renewables-based restoration strategy for a study network.

Profile

Who it's for

  • System operation engineer looking to specialise in black start strategies with renewables.
  • Dynamic studies specialist looking to specialise in black start strategies with renewables.
  • Converter control engineer looking to specialise in black start strategies with renewables.
  • Restoration planner looking to specialise in black start strategies with renewables.
  • Storage engineer looking to specialise in black start strategies with renewables.
  • Researcher in electrical resilience looking to specialise in black start strategies with renewables.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to join system operators.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (emergency and restoration network code)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (generator connection requirements)
  • Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (transmission system operation)
  • IEEE 2800-2022 (inverter-based resources)
  • IEC 60071-1 (insulation coordination)
  • IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed resources)
  • IEC 61850 (substation communications)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Major historical blackouts
  2. 1.2Restoration plans
  3. 1.3Restoration phases
  4. 1.4Islands and resynchronisation
  5. 1.5Units with autonomous start-up
  6. 1.6Restoration paths
  7. 1.7Control centres in emergencies
  8. 1.8Emergency and restoration network code
  9. 1.9Reduced availability of synchronous generation
  10. 1.10Case study: the Iberian blackout of April 2025
  1. 2.1Energisation of transformers
  2. 2.2Inrush currents
  3. 2.3Energisation of long lines
  4. 2.4Overvoltages and ferroresonance
  5. 2.5Block load pick-up
  6. 2.6Frequency control in islands
  7. 2.7Voltage control
  8. 2.8Start-up of auxiliary services
  9. 2.9Protection coordination
  10. 2.10Laboratory: energisation of a transformer in PSCAD
  1. 3.1Inverter capabilities
  2. 3.2Grid-forming control for start-up
  3. 3.3BESS as a black start unit
  4. 3.4Wind with autonomous start-up
  5. 3.5Photovoltaics with storage
  6. 3.6HVDC VSC links in restoration
  7. 3.7Sizing the source
  8. 3.8Limited current of converters
  9. 3.9International pilot experiences
  10. 3.10Practice: sizing a BESS for black start
  1. 4.1Top-down and bottom-up restoration
  2. 4.2Formation of distributed islands
  3. 4.3Coordination between transmission and distribution operators
  4. 4.4Microgrids as cores
  5. 4.5Automated switching sequences
  6. 4.6Blackout-resilient communications
  7. 4.7Dynamic modelling of restoration
  8. 4.8Risk analysis
  9. 4.9Plan testing
  10. 4.10Workshop: restoration sequence for an island
  1. 5.1Real start-up tests
  2. 5.2Distributed ReStart project
  3. 5.3Service procurement
  4. 5.4Supplier requirements
  5. 5.5Remuneration of the black start service
  6. 5.6Capability certification
  7. 5.7Operator training
  8. 5.8Lessons learned from real tests
  9. 5.9Trends in restoration services
  10. 5.10Case study: test with a wind farm in Scotland
  1. 6.1Study network
  2. 6.2Available start-up resources
  3. 6.3Restoration strategy
  4. 6.4Sizing the start-up source
  5. 6.5Dynamic network model
  6. 6.6Sequence simulation
  7. 6.7Risk analysis
  8. 6.8Recommendations to the operator
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, RTDS, MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The case studies draw on real EMT simulation procedures for energising transformers and lines, sizing battery-based start-up sources, and designing island-based restoration sequences. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-focused Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Study network

Describe the phases and restoration strategies of the electricity system after a blackout.

Available start-up resources

Analyse the transient phenomena of islanded energisation.

Restoration strategy

Assess the capability of renewables and storage for autonomous start-up.

Sizing the start-up source

Size a start-up source based on grid-forming converters.

Dynamic network model

Design coordinated restoration sequences between transmission and distribution.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

System operation engineerDynamic studies specialistConverter control engineerRestoration plannerStorage engineerResearcher in electrical resilience
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.

You will work with PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, RTDS, MATLAB/Simulink. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.

An in-house SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is own-provider training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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