Electric Power DAS: Profiting Regional Market to Aid Global Expansion

By Shruti Vanjare

Electrical power distribution is characterized as the final stage of an electrical power system, primarily in terms of delivering electricity to the load. Automation in the distribution field helps implement flexible control of distribution systems, consequently used to enhance reliability, efficiency, and the quality of electric service.

In this regard, the operational and financial benefits of distribution automation systems (DAS) include:

• Increased revenue owing to quick restoration
• Enhanced utilization of system capacity
• Reduced man-hour and manpower
• Better fault detection and diagnostic analysis

Hence, these advantages play an integral role in positioning the global electric power distribution automation systems market as a rapidly-developing avenue, progressing with a CAGR of 6.59% over the forecast period of 2022 to 2030. Moreover, the global market’s growth is further accredited to the high reliability of distribution automation systems and the aging power infrastructure.

For example, as per the United States Department of Energy (DOE), nearly 70% of the transmission and distribution lines in the country are over two decades old. Hence, with the modernization of grid infrastructure, automation is integral for making distributed energy profitable, thereby propelling market growth.

Regional Dynamics to Supplement Global Market Developments

According to industry statistics, government energy R&D expenditure in 2019 increased by 3% to $30 billion, majorly directed to low-carbon energy technologies. Aligning with this, Europe and the United States recorded robust growth, with the spending on public energy R&D rising by 7% in both economies. Hence, the regional investments within the energy sector will also aid the adoption of electric power distribution automation systems, thereby facilitating the market’s growth in Europe as well as North America.

North America to Capture the Largest Share of 31.03% by 2030

• The demand for electric power distribution automation systems has witnessed robust growth in North America due to the increasing need for energy consumption in terms of industry, commercial, and residential usage. Moreover, Ontario is also engaged in a billion-dollar program for the installation of smart meters for 4.5 million electricity customers in the Canadian province.

• Market leaders such as General Electric Company, Siemens AG, and others are focused on expanding their business by partnering with government agencies for the maintenance and supply of power distribution automation systems. Primarily concentrated across states like South Carolina and California, these collaborations will further accelerate the North America electric power distribution automation systems market

• Likewise, Hydro-Québec, a major smart grid firm headquartered in Canada, has also been involved in the automation of substations and high-voltage transmission. This factor plays an essential role in ranking substation as the fastest-growing implementation segment with a 94% CAGR by 2030.

Asia-Pacific to Witness the Highest CAGR of 8.34% by 2030

• The demand for electricity is on the rise across developing countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, India, and others. This factor, in addition to rapid urbanization, significantly contributes to the growth of the Asia-Pacific electric power distribution automation systems market

• The lack of residential area development, especially in countries such as Indonesia, impacts the demand for distribution automation systems (DAS). However, industrial advancements are expected to boost the need for electric power distribution automation systems over the forecast years, thus propelling the regional market’s growth. Consequently, this factor will also support the growth of the industrial segment under the end-user category, capturing a sizeable market share of 94% by 2030.

• On the other hand, the development of feeder automation (FA) technology in the Asia-Pacific is majorly focused on automation techniques. In view of this aspect, leading players operating in the market, such as S&C Electric, ABB Ltd, and Hitachi Ltd, are introducing cutting-edge features that manage power restoration and are ideal for smart grid systems.

Players’ Contribution to Alleviating Limitations

While the global market is developing with improved grid management approaches and investments in smart cities, it may face challenges like security concerns and the lack of operational planning tools. In this regard, the development and trend of feeder automation (FA) technology, focused on automation techniques, will help reduce challenges faced during the operational planning of electric power distribution automation.

Moreover, initiatives introduced by organizations across the globe play an essential role in fortifying security solutions, as well. For instance, the European Union’s regulation comprises guidelines for better coordination between transmission system operators, thus enhancing the security of electricity supply. Similarly, companies such as Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories offer engineering services and solutions for the security of critical infrastructure, thereby strengthening the global electric power distribution automation systems market growth.