A Systematic Review of Grid-Forming Control Techniques for Modern Power Systems and Microgrids

Paul Arévalo (), Carlos Ramos and Agostinho Rocha
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Paul Arévalo: SYSTEC-ARISE & Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Carlos Ramos: SYSTEC-ARISE & Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Agostinho Rocha: SYSTEC-ARISE & Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-22

Abstract: Looking toward the future, governments around the world have started to change their energy mix due to climate change. The new energy mix will consist mainly of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs), such as wind and solar power. This transition from a synchronous to a non-synchronous grid introduces new challenges in stability, resilience, and synchronization, necessitating advanced control strategies. Among these, Grid-Forming (GFM) control techniques have emerged as an effective solution for ensuring stable operations in microgrids and large-scale power systems with high IBRs integration. This paper presents a systematic review of GFM control techniques, focusing on their principles and applications. Using the PRISMA 2020 methodology, 75 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were synthesized to evaluate the characteristics of GFM control strategies. The review organizes GFM strategies, evaluates their performance under varying operational scenarios, and emphasizes persistent challenges like grid stability, inertia emulation, and fault ride-through capabilities. Furthermore, this study examines real-world implementations of GFM technology in modern power grids. Notable projects include the UK’s National Grid Pathfinder Program, which integrates GFM inverters to enhance stability, and Australia’s Hornsdale Power Reserve, where battery energy storage with GFM capabilities supports grid frequency regulation.

Keywords: modern power system; microgrids; inverter-based resources; grid-forming; grid-following; small-signal stability; transient stability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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