OVE-DC Initiative: DC Day in cooperation with Technology Platform Smart Grids Austria

DC technology is set to transform our energy systems—offering superior performance, enhanced efficiency, and dramatically lower losses. With industries worldwide already moving in this direction, now is the ideal moment to explore the most recent advancements in this field.

On 24 February 2026, the OVE-DC initiative welcomes you to an event designed as a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas, building connections, and engaging in deep discussions about cutting-edge progress in direct current technology.

Event Objectives: This event brings together experts and enthusiasts from the DC technology and smart grid community. Gain valuable insights into cutting-edge research, ongoing projects, and practical applications. Interactive discussions and workshops will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Why Attend? Seize this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and researchers, expand your network, and stay ahead with the latest advancements in DC technology.

The event language is English.

Moderation through the event: Barbara Herndler(AIT)

Preliminary Programme
09:00 - 09:30	Registration
09:30 - 09:40	Welcome and Opening (OVE / TPSGA / AIT)
09:40 - 10:10	Keynote 1: Rik de Doncker (RWTH Aachen) — The Importance of Medium Voltage DC Systems
10:10 - 10:40	Keynote 2: Wolfgang Hribernik (Europa Link) — Interconnectivity & Flexibility Across All System Levels Through DC Links
10:40 - 11:00	Dirk Van Hertem (KU Leuven) — Direct current technologies, a game-changer for the energy transition
11:00 - 11:20	Nicos Cutululis (DTU) — HVDC for offshore grids and energy islands
11:20 - 11:45	Coffee break & Networking
11:45 - 12:10	Keynote 3: Friederich Kupzog (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology) — Research DC-Technology in Austria

Session 1	Medium Voltage – High Power DC
12:10 - 12:30	Henry Lootens (Netherland DC / DC Foundation) — DC Beyond the Pilot: What It Takes to Institutionalize Direct Current in the Netherlands
12:30 - 12:50	Uwe Schichler (TU Graz) — The easy road to MVDC cable systems
12:50 - 13:10	Maximilian Prasser (Energienetze Steiermark) — The MVDC4Wind Approach
13:10 - 14:10	Lunch break & Networking

Session 2	Applications
14:10 - 14:30	Thomas Langbauer (SAL Silicon Austria Labs) — DC Microgrids as a Key Technology
14:30 - 14:50	Peter Schegner (TU Dresden) — DC-LabSaxony: Full-scale testbed of a Medium-Voltage DC Distribution Network – Preliminary Results and Research Goals
14:50 - 15:10	Sebastian Nielebock (Siemens AG) — DC Transition: From Research to Application at Siemens Technology Campus Erlangen

Session 3	DC-Charging
15:10 - 15:30	Tobias Kampl (Fronius International GmbH) — Non-separated DC Charging Stations - A novel approach for higher efficiencies
15:30 - 15:50	Harald Wechselberger (VERBUND Energy4Business GmbH) — V2G Alliance Austria
15:50 - 16:20	Coffee break & Networking
16:20 - 16:40	Andreas Gruber (Phoenix Contact) — DC charging via DC grid
16:40 - 17:00	Nenad Nikolić (Siemens Austria) — Charging Beyond Hardware: Scalable DC Charging Systems and Intelligent Depot Management

Panel discussion
17:00 - 17:40	Charging Standards towards an electrified society

17:40 - 17:45	Closing remarks
17:45 - 19:00	Networking