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

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.

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.

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.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• 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.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. 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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.