• • • TRANSFORMERS & SWITCHGEAR • • •
have been traditionally powered by fossil fuels to electrical energy in order to decarbonise industries and private energy consumption.
So how do we build a grid that can handle all this complexity, and do it fast enough to support
the energy transition? Before we address the solution, it’s important to acknowledge that the time to act is now. Investment in renewables has significantly outpaced grid investment in recent years, leaving many power networks under severe strain. According to the IEA, to meet climate and energy security goals, the world will need to add or refurbish more than 80 million kilometres of grid infrastructure by 2040, a scale equal to nearly 100 per cent of today’s entire global electricity grid. In other words, almost the equivalent of the entire grid in use today will need to be renewed or expanded by 2040 to support growing renewable capacity and ensure reliable delivery of clean energy. Without that level of upgrade and expansion, the clean energy generated simply can’t reach the people and places that need it. In Europe alone, hundreds of gigawatts of renewable projects are awaiting connection, delayed by permitting bottlenecks, limited transmission and distribution capacity, and outdated infrastructure. The result: a growing gap between our ability to generate clean power and the grid’s ability to deliver it reliably.
So, what will it take to strengthen the grid? Here are three key priorities as we see it.
1. Digitalising the grid You can’t build tomorrow’s grid with yesterday’s tools. Of course, we still need robust components – switchgear, transformers, breakers, cables. These are well known, even though they need to become more robust, safer and sustainable. But those components alone won’t make the grid resilient. We need a grid that becomes more intelligent. One that sees what’s coming, reacts in real time, and recovers faster. That’s where digitalisation plays a critical role.
Modern electrical equipment is already equipped with sensors measuring everything from temperature and load to vibration and humidity. But raw data alone isn’t enough, we need actionable insights. With AI, machine learning and advanced software, we can translate data into early warnings, predictive maintenance and automated interventions that keep small issues from becoming big failures.
2. Enhancing grid stability for a changing energy mix
In the past, large fossil-fuel plants provided natural grid stability through the inertia of heavy rotating machines. This kept voltage and frequency in check, even as demand fluctuated. Renewables like wind and solar operate differently. They use inverters instead of turbines, which means that inherent stability is no longer built in the same way. To fill this gap, we need tools that allow us to control the power flow to secure stability and integrity of the grid, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and synchronous condensers. These technologies respond instantaneously to fluctuations, helping maintain grid balance without carbon-intensive generation. When paired with smart digital controls, their impact is even greater, automatically correcting imbalances and keeping power flowing smoothly. This isn’t just about adding technology, it’s about building an adaptive, responsive and future-ready energy system.
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3. Partnering across the ecosystem The scale and speed of the energy transition are too vast for any single company, utility, or government to tackle alone. Success requires deep collaboration across sectors and across borders. This collaboration must begin early, with utilities, technology providers and policymakers working together from the planning and design phase, not just during implementation. It also depends on data transparency, open standards and flexible system architectures that can evolve with the grid. At ABB, we co-create resilient infrastructure with our partners, combining domain expertise with decades of field-proven technology. From digital substations and grid automation to condition monitoring, our objective is to boost system readiness, reliability and resilience. Philosophies, ideas and approaches move in various directions across the globe, at times even across smaller regions. Ranging from well-planned grids to fully decentralised approaches. While we experience faster learning and innovation cycles, adaptation at scale is moving slowly. We need to team up to accelerate adaptation.
Taking more calculated risks in deploying new technologies faster beyond the pilot stage and creating harmonisation to secure continuity across entire life cycles, are two barriers we can overcome with deeper collaboration.
Looking ahead The shift to renewables isn’t just about changing the energy source, it’s about reimagining the entire power system. Grid resilience is a growing concern. It is the foundation of decarbonisation, electrification and long-term energy security. As electricity demand rises, fuelled by electric vehicles, data centres and the electrification of industry, the cost of inaction becomes clear. A resilient grid that enables the use of clean energy and meets the fast-growing demand is no longer optional. It’s a strategic imperative.
Those who invest early in digital infrastructure, automation and intelligent control systems will be the ones to lead. They will deliver more reliable power, and unlock new potential for flexibility, efficiency and innovation.
https://new.abb.com ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2025 33
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