Electricity grids are the hidden enablers of the clean energy transition. Grids connect generators to consumers, delivering power exactly when and where it is needed every second of the day. But most grids were built for a different era, one of centralised fossil fuel generation. Grids now need to evolve to support the cleaner, more decentralised power system of tomorrow.
Modernising grids means expanding and upgrading networks to integrate rising volumes of renewables, connect new consumers and industries, and handle electrification at scale. Yet in many countries, investment in grids has not kept pace with investment in renewables. This risks holding back the accelerating pace of the transition.
Grid stresses such as long connection times and high costs of grid connection have clear solutions: build and reinforce networks, digitalise operations, strengthen cross-border links, and plan grids in step with the rest of the energy system.