With the growing share of renewable energy like wind and solar, today’s power grids are experiencing faster and more unpredictable changes. Conventional control systems often struggle to keep up, leading to potential instability and drops in power quality.
In response, Hikmat Basnet developed both adaptive and hybrid control techniques that can react swiftly to changing grid conditions – offering a level of performance traditional methods can’t match.
A key part of Basnet’s research is a broadband measurement method that enables STATCOMs to observe grid behavior across a wide range of frequencies in real time. This insight allows the adaptive control system to adjust itself automatically, ensuring fast and accurate responses.
In addition, he introduced hybrid control strategies that blend the advantages of several conventional methods. These hybrid systems have shown superior performance under challenging grid conditions, delivering both precision and responsiveness where traditional controllers fall short.
“As the energy grid becomes increasingly dominated by renewable sources, ensuring stable and responsive control is more critical than ever. My research contributes practical tools for real-time adaptation, making STATCOMs smarter and more resilient in changing grid conditions,” says Basnet.
A key innovation of Basnet’s research is combining these advanced controls with an integrated energy storage system. This creates a smarter STATCOM that not only regulates voltage but also supports energy balance during rapid changes in supply or demand. The result is better stability, higher efficiency, and improved grid reliability.
These developments directly support Finland’s and Europe’s climate goals by helping the grid handle more clean energy, safely and reliably.
Hikmat Basnet, originally from Nepal, conducted his doctoral research in the Power Electronics Research Group at Tampere University. He now serves as a University Instructor of Power Electronics at Tampere University, where he is helping shape the next generation of electrical engineers.
Public defence on Friday 22 August
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech) Hikmat Basnet in the field of Computing and Electrical Engineering titled Broadband Techniques in Dynamic Characterization and Adaptive Control of Static Synchronous Compensators will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University at 12 o’clock on Friday 22.8.2025 at Hervanta campus, Konetalo building, auditorium K1702 (Korkeakoulunkatu 6, Tampere). The Opponent will be Senior Expert Janne Seppänen from Fingrid Oy. The Custos will be Associate Professor Tomi Roinila from the faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University.
The doctoral dissertation is available online