CIGRE 2026: Building Power Grids for the New Era of Electrification

The world is advancing into an era where the demands on electric grids are expanding rapidly. The CIGRE 2026 Paris Session emphasized the critical need for swift construction of advanced grids, with over 15,000 experts from 100 countries attending.

Key drivers include the electrification of transport, industry, and buildings, alongside the integration of renewable energy sources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a required 50% increase in annual grid investment, moving from USD 400 billion to USD 600 billion by 2030.

Project timelines are a bottleneck, with countries like China completing major projects faster than Europe or the US. A unified "One Grid" system is advocated, requiring collaboration among stakeholders, regulators, and technology providers.

Addressing a skills gap is also critical, with a projected need for 1.5 million additional workers by 2030. CIGRE's initiatives, including training and education support, focus on meeting these workforce demands.