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Grid-Forming Converters for Renewable Generation: A Comprehensive Review

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  • Muhammad Waqas Qaisar

    (Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong University, Shenzhen 518063, China
    School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China)

  • Jingyang Fang

    (Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong University, Shenzhen 518063, China
    School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China)

Abstract

Grid-forming converters (GFMCs) play an increasingly vital role in integrating renewable energy sources into modern power systems. This article reviews GFMCs, emphasizing their importance in enabling reliable, stable, and resilient operation as power systems evolve toward low-inertia, inverter-dominated configurations. Various GFMC topologies are examined based on their suitability for grid-forming functions and performance across different voltage levels. Small-signal modeling approaches are presented to provide deeper insights into system dynamics and converter–grid interactions. The article reviews primary control strategies, including droop control, virtual synchronous machines, and virtual oscillator control, and discusses their impact on synchronization, stability, and power sharing. Finally, the article outlines GFMC applications and challenges, highlighting their impact on system stability.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Waqas Qaisar & Jingyang Fang, 2025. "Grid-Forming Converters for Renewable Generation: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4565-:d:1736240
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdullah M. Noman & Abdullrahman A. Al-Shamma’a & Khaled E. Addoweesh & Ayman A. Alabduljabbar & Abdulrahman I. Alolah, 2018. "Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Topology Based on Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Tayab, Usman Bashir & Roslan, Mohd Azrik Bin & Hwai, Leong Jenn & Kashif, Muhammad, 2017. "A review of droop control techniques for microgrid," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 717-727.
    3. Sara Anttila & Jéssica S. Döhler & Janaína G. Oliveira & Cecilia Boström, 2022. "Grid Forming Inverters: A Review of the State of the Art of Key Elements for Microgrid Operation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-30, July.
    4. Angelo Lunardi & Luís F. Normandia Lourenço & Enkhtsetseg Munkhchuluun & Lasantha Meegahapola & Alfeu J. Sguarezi Filho, 2022. "Grid-Connected Power Converters: An Overview of Control Strategies for Renewable Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-33, June.
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