Toward inverter-based resource-dominated systems: Gathering remaining pieces of a puzzle [Guest editorial]

The energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the rapid shift toward renewable sources, marking a crucial historical moment. Traditional power systems developed over the past century have been centered around physical characteristics and the capabilities of synchronous generators, like coal, gas, nuclear, and hydro. However, the rise of renewable resources, such as wind and solar, have led to widespread use of generation interfaced with the grid through power electronics so-called inverter-based resources ( IBRs ), with different characteristics and capabilities compared to traditional synchronous machines. These characteristics are largely independent from the physical design of the resource and are primarily driven by various controls. Consequently, IBRs may offer more flexibility, but also introduce new complexities that, considering the pace of energy transition, we don’t have another 100 years to solve.