In the context of celebrating IEEE Day, the event IEEE Alpine Day 2024, held 11-12 Oct 2024, commemorated two key milestones in European power grid history:

  • The Birth of the 50 Hz Grid Frequency Standard (1898, Rheinfelden): This groundbreaking standard, adopted across most of the world, has shaped how electricity is distributed in Europe. The US, in contrast, continues to use 60 Hz.
  • The Pioneering Interconnection of European Grids (1958, Laufenburg): Known as the “Star of Laufenburg,” this first transnational grid connection between France, Germany, and Switzerland marked the beginning of Europe’s highly interconnected power network, a feat yet to be fully realized in the US.

The program featured prominent speakers, who discussed the long-term future of the grid, and other experts addressing grid innovation, renewable energy, and storage solutions.

 

LMC Awards Ceremony, from left to right: Dr.Peter Magyar, R8 LMAG coordinator, Hugo Wyss,Chair Switzerland LMAG, Dr.Goce Arsov, Chair North Macedonia LMAG, Dr.Martin Bastiaans, R8 History Coordinator
Visit of “Star of Laufenburg” IEEE Milestone Site, from the left: Dr.Thomas Hanselmann, Vice-Chair Switzerland, Hugo Wyss, Prof.Roberto Napoli -LMAG Italy, Heinz Wipf, Chair Chapter Aerospace Switzerland, Dr.Goce Arsov, Dr.Peter Magyar,Dr.Martin Bastiaans, Dr.Luc Claesen, Chair LMAG Benelux, Dr.Nisheeth Singh, LMAG Switzerland, promotor of Star of Laufenburg Milestone in 2010
Group picture of attendees on Friday 11 evening, FHNW Windisch, from left: Dr. Almedin Kavaz, Chair Switzerland Section,Dr.Thomas Hanselmann,Dr.Nisheeth Singh, Alexis Pochon, Secretary Switzerland, Hugo Wyss, Dr.Roberto Napoli, Ben Sawicki, Treasurer Switzerland,Heinz Wipf,Dr.Goce Arsov, Dr.Luc Claesen,Dr.Martin Bastiaans, Dr.Peter Magyar, Pascal Wyss, FLEXbase,Speaker, Dr.Nicolas Wyrsch, PV Center EPFL, Speaker, other attendees
IEEE Milestone: Star of Laufenburg Interconnection, 1958