speaking at PNDC’s workshop.
We are proud to virtually host the 6th PNDC Workshop on Communications and Cyber Security for Critical Infrastructures, taking place on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The workshop will be held in conjunction with the 8th IEEE International Conference on Smart Applications, Communications and Networking (SmartNets 2026), taking place from 7–9 July 2026 and hosted by Link Campus University in Rome.
The main goal of the SmartNets 2026 conference is to bring together experts, researchers, academics, and industry professionals working in areas such as embedded equipment design, resource-constrained media communications, security, data analysis, and digital services. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the conference aims to share the latest research findings, address challenges associated with digital transformation, particularly cybersecurity, and explore the future of wireless communication technologies, including 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), and their opportunities within the utilities sector.
SmartNets 2026 will also provide a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in implementing secure and reliable communication services, while covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the Future Internet, IoT, Smart Cities, and Smart Factories. Through technical sessions and networking opportunities, the conference will promote knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation among participants.
Agenda (Please note all times are British Summer Time (BST). The Central European Summer Time in Rome is +1 hour
The workshop will feature distinguished speakers from industry and academia, showcasing practical insights on digital substations and real-world testbeds, next-generation grid communications (BPL, 5G, Satellite), OT data integration and operational intelligence and emerging AI opportunities and associated risks.
14:00 – 14:05 (15:00 Central European Summer Time)
Opening and welcome
Prof. Will Drury and Dr Kinan Ghanem , PNDC (University of Strathclyde)
14:05 – 14:10
IEEE SmartNets at a glance
Dr Tarek Bejaoui , IEEE SmartNets
14:10 – 14:30
PNDC Digital Substation Overview
Ibrahim Abdulhadi , PNDC (University of Strathclyde)
The PNDC Digital Substation Overview session presents a high-level overview of PNDC’s advanced digital substation testbed infrastructure, highlighting key ongoing initiatives and future developments.
14:30 – 15:00
BPL in Low Voltage Networks, Enhancing PRIME for Real-Time Grid Digitalisation
José Antonio Martín Valdés , Teldat
The low-voltage “last mile” remains one of the grid’s largest visibility gaps, and Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) alone cannot fully address it. This session explores how Broadband Power Line (BPL) extends real-time reach to the grid edge while enhancing existing PRIME deployments.
It provides a practical overview of a hybrid BPL + PRIME architecture that transforms periodic meter readings into continuous grid observability—without requiring new cabling.
This session will also discover how this evolution pathway delivers higher read success rates, lower latency, and full substation-to-edge visibility.
15:00 – 15:30
Hybrid Satellite–5G Architecture for Resilient Wide‑Area Protection and Grid Restoration
Thierry Bérisot , NOVAMINT
This session discusses the emerging role of hybrid Satellite–5G architectures in enabling resilient wide-area protection and rapid grid restoration.
The discussion will explore the future challenges facing smart grid communications, highlighting both telecommunications and utility sector perspectives on the evolution of smart grid networks. It will examine the critical role of standards in enabling interoperability, scalability, and long-term sustainability across increasingly complex energy systems. The conversation will also consider the ongoing evolution of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and their potential to enhance connectivity and resilience. Particular attention will be given to key technical and operational challenges, including cybersecurity requirements, before outlining the next steps toward developing resilient hybrid Satellite–5G architectures capable of supporting the future needs of smart grids.
15:30 – 16:00
From Substation Data to Grid Operations: Secure, Contextual and Actionable OT Integration
Aaron Cowdry , COPA-DATA
This session provides a practical perspective on how substation data can be effectively integrated and utilised across grid operations.
The discussion will focus on how improved collection, management, and utilisation of substation data can enhance operational visibility and decision-making across the power network. It will explore the role of soft RTUs in enabling more flexible and adaptable architectures, supporting the evolving requirements of modern substations. The session will also examine the integration of RTUs, IEDs, and IEC 61850-based systems through SCADA platforms, highlighting the benefits of seamless interoperability and data exchange. Finally, it will consider how better data integration can support operators, engineers, and asset management teams by providing more accessible, actionable, and context-rich information for both operational and strategic decision-making.
16:00 – 16:30
Agentic AI: Opportunities & Risks
Dr Sotirios Terzis , University of Strathclyde
This talk introduces the concept of agentic AI, outlining its core principles and applications. It highlights the opportunities in automation and decision-making, while also examining associated risks.
The session also discusses how agentic AI engineering approaches aim to mitigate these risks and realise its potential benefits.
How to attend:
MS Teams meeting details will be provided to registered participants via email. To join the workshop, please get in touch or connect on LinkedIn with Dr Kinan Ghanem , Comms and Cyber Security Lead at PNDC.
IEEE SmartNets 2026
For more information on the main conference, please visit the IEEE SmartNets website.