Grid Modernisation: The Defining Constraint on Energy Growth

Electrification, variable generation and rising demand are increasing both the scale and complexity of electricity systems. Across markets, ageing infrastructure and long connection queues are slowing growth. Global grid spending will need to nearly double to over USD 600 billion a year by 2030. Investment has to rise across the whole grid value chain: connectivity, transmission, distribution, storage and digital systems. It must also raise the productivity, efficiency and utilisation of existing assets, while maintaining reliability, affordability and flexibility. Build-out must move faster, and permitting timelines are a material part of that constraint. The discussion will focus on investment across the grid value chain, permitting and regulatory enablers, and the digital capability and efficiency gains needed to run flexible networks and get more from existing infrastructure.