There is no transition without transmission: the importance of the grid

Electricity networks have become one critical bottleneck (and enabler) of the energy transition. The expansion of renewable generation, together with the structural electrification of transport, buildings and industry, require bigger, stronger and smarter grids. [+]
Originally designed for centralized, one-directional power flows, existing grids are no longer sufficient to face current electrical demand complexity. Its evolution will determine the speed of renewable integration, the feasibility of large industrial electrification, and the capacity to absorb new loads such as data centers. In addition, solid advanced grids will be necessary in order toreduce the probability and economic impact of outages and improve energy independence. [+] [+] [+]
Therefore, grids are shifting from a “background utility” to strategic infrastructure on the current energy landscape.

• An essential asset that needs to be updated
  The interconnected system that transports and distributes electricity from generation sources to end users is often decades old and designed around traditional sources of power.
• Electricity: key to modern life
  Electricity demand increase drivers include electrification, industrial demand, cooling/heating systems, and the expansion of data centers and AI.
• Modern grids for the energy transition
  Renewables are scaling faster than networks, making grid capacity a key limiting factorfor the energy transition.
• Reliable and resilient grids to avoid outages
  Ageing assets, extreme weather or cyber attacks can increase outage risk. Grid investing also supports countries energy independence.
• The investment gap is significant
  Annual spending expected to more than double to over to keep pace with demand growth and decarbonization targets.
• Grid modernization is multidimensional 
  Requiring investments in core infrastructure, capacity enabling components, digital and software, and elements to increase flexibility.

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