Patenting trends in the field of smart grids

Smart grids represent a key factor in the energy transition. In a smart grid, modern communication technology connects the various parts of the energy systems (including energy consumption and energy generation) and enables optimal coordination. This allows renewable energy to be integrated more efficiently into the power grid and the power grid can be used to its full capacity.

A recently published study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Patent Office (EPO) examines the remarkable innovation in grid technologies. According to the study, the number of international patent families (IPF) in the area of physical and smart grid infrastructure increased eightfold between 2001 and 2022, while it barely doubled for all other technologies combined.

The largest growth in the last ten years can be attributed to smart grid technologies, which now account for more IPFs than physical grid and storage technologies combined. While Europe, Japan and the US have long been the leaders in the number of IPFs for power grid technologies, China has reached the same level as Europe in 2022, mainly by focusing on smart grid and storage technologies.

According to the study, around 50 million kilometers of old transmission and distribution lines will need to be replaced worldwide by 2050. This represents both a major challenge and an opportunity for innovation. It is clear that, in addition to advances in smart grid technologies, innovations in the area of physical power grids will also be of central importance in the future.

Overall, it can be said that both smart and physical electricity grid technologies are the key to sustainable and future-proof energy systems and at the same time offer great potential for innovative developments.