Hitachi Energy expert receives the 2026 IEEE PES Nari Hingorani FACTS Award

For nearly four decades, Jean-Philippe Hasler, Senior Principal Engineer at Hitachi Energy, has helped shape the evolution of Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), advancing technologies that support stronger, more resilient, and more flexible power systems around the world.

That journey has now been recognized with one of the industry's highest honors. Jean-Philippe Hasler has received the 2026 IEEE PES Nari Hingorani FACTS Award, widely regarded as the most prestigious international distinction, recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced FACTS technology and its application in modern power systems.

Presented annually by the IEEE Power & Energy Society, the award honors pioneering achievements that have shaped the evolution of grid technologies. Jean-Philippe was recognized for innovations spanning classic HVDC systems to grid-forming Enhanced STATCOMs, helping advance FACTS performance and deliver improvements in power quality, system stability, and converter control that continue to support transmission networks and industries worldwide. He received the award during the IEEE PES General Meeting Awards Gala Dinner & Ceremony on July 21, 2026, in Montreal, Canada.

Throughout his career, Jean-Philippe has played a fundamental role in the evolution of FACTS technology, contributing to every major stage of its development. He began his career in Switzerland in 1986, working on Static Var Compensator (SVC) technology, protection systems, and large HVDC projects before joining ABB in Sweden in 1993.

Over the years, he helped advance FACTS technology from classical HVDC systems to some of the industry's most important breakthroughs, including the world's first commercial SVC Light® STATCOM in Hagfors, Sweden, in 1998, the world's first grid forming STATCOM in Opladen, Germany, in 2020, and the development of pioneering grid forming Enhanced STATCOM concepts.

Today, as part of Hitachi Energy, he continues to help shape the future of power electronics and grid support technologies, enabling more resilient and sustainable electricity systems worldwide.

Throughout this journey, he has combined deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to collaboration, working closely with universities including Chalmers University of Technology and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, as well as transmission system operators, industrial partners, and customers to advance research and bring innovative technologies from concept to reality.

For Jean-Philippe, the award reflects much more than an individual achievement. 

A defining characteristic of Jean-Philippe’s work has been his ability to connect complex power system challenges with practical technological solutions.

Rather than focusing solely on equipment development, he has consistently worked to understand how emerging technologies can address real-world grid needs. His contributions have also helped support the industry’s transition toward converter-dominated power systems.

As an inventor or co-inventor of more than 50 international patents and author of numerous technical publications, his work has influenced projects across the world, helping utilities and industries build stronger, more flexible, and renewable-ready power systems.

The IEEE PES Nari Hingorani FACTS Award is named after Dr. Nari Hingorani, one of the pioneers of FACTS technology. The award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced the state of the art and enabled more efficient, reliable, and sustainable electricity networks.

Each year, IEEE PES presents 24 society-level awards to honor exceptional achievements in power and energy engineering, recognizing innovators whose contributions continue to shape the future of the industry.