Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution: Principles and Recent Developments

Abstract

The electric power sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the rapid integration of renewable energy sources, widespread deployment of power electronic converters, and increasing digitalisation of power system operation. These changes are reshaping the traditional structure of power generation, transmission, and distribution networks, while introducing new technical and operational challenges related to system stability, protection, planning, and resilience. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and recent developments across all major layers of modern power systems. Key advancements in renewable generation technologies, grid-forming inverters, energy storage systems, high-voltage direct current transmission, active distribution networks, and microgrids are systematically discussed. In addition, the growing role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies in enhancing system observability, control, and decision-making is examined. The review further highlights emerging challenges in protection, transmission–distribution coordination, and resilience-oriented planning under high renewable penetration. Regulatory frameworks and grid codes are also considered in the context of supporting reliable and sustainable power system evolution. By synthesising recent research and identifying open challenges, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, system planners, and policymakers working toward the development of resilient, low-carbon, and intelligent power systems.