Ralph S. Gens

Under Ralph S. Gens' guidance as chief engineer and as system engineering chief, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Portland, Ore., has become a place of exceptional achievement in AC and DC high-voltage power transmission. During his more than 30 years with BPA, he has led the development of one of the world's largest 500KV AC transmission networks and the Pacific High Voltage DC intertie, the largest and one of the earliest HVDC transmission systems in the United States.

Mr. Gens also participated in the effort to establish the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the U.S. premiere research center for HVDC transmission line design, The Dalles, Oregon HVDC Test Center.

His impact on power engineers is seen through his BPA Technical Career Program-20 engineers from the Engineering group were elected IEEE Fellows and six were elected members of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Since becoming a consultant, he has served as a member and chair of the U.S. Department of Energy's Research Advisory Board and Commissioner of the Electricity Commission of Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Gens is an IEEE Life Fellow and a member of the NAE. He is the recipient of many honors, including the IEEE William A. Habirshaw Award, and the U.S. Department of Interior and BPA's Distinguished Service Awards. He has served as chair of the IEEE Portland Section and in leadership positions in numerous other organizations including the International Conference on Large High Voltage Electric Systems, EPRI, Western System Coordinating Council and the National Science Foundation. He holds one patent in the field and is a registered professional engineer.