MSc Internship: System-Level Validation of Grid-Forming Control in Renewable-Dominated Power Systems

This internship position focuses on system-level validation of grid-forming control in renewable-dominated power systems.

About this position

Power systems with high shares of wind and solar generation face declining inertia and short-circuit strength, increasing the risk of frequency and voltage instability. Grid-forming (GFM) control is a key enabler for reliable operation of future renewable-dominated power systems. In this internship, you will contribute to applied research at TNO by developing and validating system-level simulation frameworks that assess the impact of GFM converters and hybrid energy storage on power-system stability. Your work supports TSOs, DSOs, and policymakers in designing resilient, low-carbon energy systems.

What will be your role?

You will develop and apply a simulation-based framework to assess grid-forming and grid-following converter control strategies in renewable-dominated power systems. This includes implementing dynamic models, defining realistic future scenarios, and analysing system-level performance under disturbances such as frequency drops, voltage dips, and switching events. You will benchmark grid-forming solutions against alternative stabilization measures and evaluate their impact on frequency stability, voltage support, and overall system resilience.

You will join TNO’s Wind Energy department and work in close collaboration with experts in power system dynamics, control, and energy storage. The internship is embedded in a broader research effort involving multiple TNO units and external stakeholders, including transmission and distribution system operators. You will receive close technical supervision and gain exposure to how advanced control concepts are translated into validated tools and guidelines for real-world power systems.

What we expect from you

Soft skills:

You have strong analytical skills and a solid interest in power system dynamics and control. You can work independently on technical modelling tasks and communicate results clearly within a multidisciplinary research team.

Hard skills:

• Master’s student in Electrical Engineering or Energy/Power Systems.
• Strong background in power system dynamics, control, and stability.
• Experience with dynamic power system simulation tools, preferably DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Programming skills in Python for data analysis, automation, and post-processing of simulation results.
• Interest in grid-forming converters, inverter-based resources, and future power-system operation.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.