More than 200 protection, automation, and control (PAC) specialists, utility leaders and energy industry professionals from across Australia, New Zealand and around the world will gather on the Gold Coast this week for the 15th Australian Protection Symposium (APS 2026).
Taking place at The Star Gold Coast on 4-5 August, APS is the region’s largest specialist forum dedicated to protection, automation and control systems in modern power networks. The event provides a critical platform for industry collaboration as electricity networks adapt to increasing renewable integration, battery energy storage systems (BESS), digitalisation and evolving cybersecurity threats.
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Bringing together utilities, network operators, consultants, manufacturers, academics and standards representatives, APS 2026 will explore the technologies, strategies and practical lessons shaping the future of power system protection.
“The energy transition is reshaping how power systems are designed, operated and protected,” said Maryam Khallaghi, OMICRON’s Pacific region manager.
“Protection engineers and network operators are navigating unprecedented levels of system complexity. APS provides a forum where the industry can share real-world experiences, discuss emerging risks and collaborate on solutions that improve network reliability, resilience and safety.”
This year’s symposium comes at a time when utility organisations are balancing the integration of distributed energy resources and large-scale storage systems with the ongoing management of ageing infrastructure, evolving operational requirements and workforce transformation.
The two-day program features more than 21 technical presentations delivered by 27 industry experts across four key themes:
- Modern Grid Challenges
- Innovation and Advancement, including BESS integration
- Digital Substations
- Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity.
A dedicated Practical Experiences session will showcase lessons learned from real-world protection events and operational challenges, with presentations from organisations including Rio Tinto, TasNetworks, Ausgrid, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.
The symposium will also feature a cybersecurity panel discussion with representatives from IEEE, Western Power, Schneider Electric and OMICRON, addressing the growing importance of cyber resilience across critical energy infrastructure.
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In addition to the technical program, delegates will have the opportunity to engage with leading technology and service providers exhibiting at the event. Exhibitors include global energy technology vendors Siemens, ABB, Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, CSE and OMICRON, showcasing solutions that support the evolution of modern electricity networks.
