Postgraduate Diploma in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 h in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility. 8 modules covering IEEE 2030.7 (microgrid controllers), IEEE 2030.8 (microgrid controller testing) and HOMER Pro. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility — studying from New Zealand
New Zealand's energy sector is distinctive for its high share of renewable generation, drawn from hydroelectric, geothermal and wind resources. Transpower operates the national grid, while distribution networks are run by regional lines companies, and the Electricity Authority regulates the wholesale and retail markets. Energy engineers are employed across generation, transmission, distribution and retail, with demand growing as the country works towards its renewable electricity goals.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,770 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
What professional recognition applies to energy and network engineers in New Zealand?
Engineering New Zealand administers Chartered Professional Engineer registration, which is widely used in the energy sector. The Electricity Authority oversees the electricity market, and the Electricity Engineers' Association is an industry body. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so recognition is decided by employers or the relevant body.
Who employs energy and network engineers in New Zealand?
Major employers include electricity lines companies, generators, transmission operators, gas network businesses and consultancies. Roles often value registration, field experience and knowledge of New Zealand's grid and regulation. A private qualification may support your CV, but it does not guarantee employment or a particular career outcome.
Can I study from New Zealand with a full-time job, and does an employer need to fund it?
Yes. The programmes are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from New Zealand without a student visa. You will have an assigned technical tutor and complete a final project. Specialist courses take 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's programmes 1,900. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Design the electrical architecture of a microgrid.
Apply primary, secondary and tertiary hierarchical control schemes.
Implement energy management strategies for the microgrid.
Identify the flexibility services a microgrid can offer.
Analyse aggregation models and virtual power plants.
Design protections and ensure supply quality in island mode.
Assess the technical, regulatory and economic feasibility of a flexible microgrid.
Who it's for
- Microgrid engineer who wants to specialise in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility.
- Energy flexibility specialist who wants to specialise in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility.
- Virtual power plant manager who wants to specialise in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility.
- Power system control engineer who wants to specialise in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility.
- Demand aggregator who wants to specialise in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility.
- Microgrid project consultant who wants to specialise in Integration with Microgrids and Flexibility.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter electricity distribution.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 2030.7 (microgrid controllers)
- IEEE 2030.8 (microgrid controller testing)
- IEEE 1547 (interconnection of distributed resources)
- IEC TS 62898-1 (microgrid planning)
- IEC 61850-7-420 (distributed energy resources)
- Royal Decree 244/2019 (self-consumption)
- Directive (EU) 2019/944 (internal electricity market)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Definition and typologies of microgrids1.2AC, DC and hybrid microgrids1.3Distributed resources: PV, wind, CHP and batteries1.4Critical and non-critical loads1.5Point of common coupling1.6IEEE 2030.7 standard for controllers1.7IEEE 1547 standard for interconnection1.8Campus, industrial and community microgrids1.9International reference cases1.10Workshop: analysis of a campus microgrid architecture
2.1Primary, secondary and tertiary levels2.2Frequency and voltage droop control2.3Power sharing between converters2.4Secondary frequency restoration2.5Centralised versus distributed control2.6Consensus-based control2.7Transitions between grid-connected and island mode2.8Resynchronisation with the grid2.9Small-signal stability2.10Laboratory: droop control in Simulink
3.1Functions of the microgrid EMS3.2Optimal dispatch with MILP3.3Model predictive control (MPC)3.4Forecasting in energy management3.5Storage management3.6Internal demand response3.7Multi-objective optimisation: cost and emissions3.8Robustness to uncertainty3.9Tools: HOMER and REopt3.10Practice: MPC dispatch of a battery-equipped microgrid
4.1The concept of energy flexibility4.2Flexibility products for the operator4.3Balancing services from microgrids4.4Local flexibility markets4.5Flexibility for the distribution system operator (DSO)4.6Piclo and NODES platforms4.7Baseline quantification4.8Measurement and verification4.9Remuneration of flexibility4.10Case study: offering flexibility to a DSO
5.1Independent aggregators under Directive 2019/9445.2Virtual power plants5.3Aggregation of loads, batteries and vehicles5.4Optimisation of flexible portfolios5.5OpenADR and IEEE 2030.5 communications5.6Participation in balancing services5.7Prequalification requirements5.8Delivery risks5.9Aggregator business models5.10Laboratory: optimisation of a VPP portfolio
6.1Protection challenges in microgrids6.2Fault currents with converters6.3Adaptive protection6.4Islanding detection6.5Earthing in microgrids6.6Power quality in island mode6.7Harmonics and imbalances6.8Coordination with the distribution network6.9Commissioning tests6.10Practice: protection study of an industrial microgrid
7.1Regulatory framework for microgrids in Spain7.2Self-consumption and closed distribution networks7.3Connection and access agreements7.4Applicable tariffs and charges7.5Ownership and operating models7.6Economic evaluation of microgrids7.7The value of resilience7.8Financing and grants7.9Barriers and regulatory proposals7.10Case study: feasibility of a microgrid in an industrial estate
8.1Definition of site and loads8.2Selection and sizing of resources8.3Design of hierarchical control8.4Design of the energy management system8.5Flexibility and market strategy8.6Protection study8.7Economic and regulatory evaluation8.8Implementation plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is HOMER Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenDSS, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real simulation procedures for microgrids in island and grid-connected modes, hierarchical control tests and analysis of flexibility services. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Design the electrical architecture of a microgrid.
Apply primary, secondary and tertiary hierarchical control schemes.
Implement energy management strategies for the microgrid.
Identify the flexibility services a microgrid can offer.
Analyse aggregation models and virtual power plants.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with HOMER Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenDSS, DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own SEIUM diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house 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-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Thermal Network Operation and Management
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 h in Thermal Network Operation and Management. 8 modules covering EN 13941-1 (design and installation of pre-insulated pipes), EN 253 (pre-insulated…
Postgraduate Diploma in AMI Architectures and Interoperability
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in AMI Architectures and Interoperability. 8 modules covering IEC 62056 (DLMS/COSEM), ITU-T G.9904 (PRIME) and Wireshark. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in High Renewable Penetration and Synthetic Inertia
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in High Renewable Penetration and Synthetic Inertia. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG network code), Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (SOGL operation guidelines)…
More in Energy and Networks
All Energy and Networks programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships