EPO publishes Patents for Enhanced Electricity Grids

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have released a comprehensive study on innovation trends in electricity grids, highlighting their crucial role in the energy transition. The report underscores the dramatic acceleration in grid-related patenting, which grew sevenfold from 2005 to 2022, reflecting the increasing importance of smart and flexible grids for integrating renewable energy sources and meeting rising electricity demands.

Three key challenges are identified for modernising grid infrastructure:

1. Expanding and Enhancing Physical Connections: Innovations such as HVDC transmission, improved cables, and predictive maintenance technologies are crucial to connect variable renewable energy sources with demand centres.
2. Making Grid Operations More Flexible and Bidirectional: Smart grid technologies, including advanced control systems, demand response mechanisms, and smart EV chargers, are pivotal for adapting to dynamic electricity flows and decentralised generation.
3. Protecting People, Data, and the Environment: Enhanced cybersecurity measures, environmentally friendly materials, and hazard detection systems are essential for grid resilience and sustainability.

The report highlights Europe’s leadership in grid-related innovations, with the EU27 and Japan accounting for over 40% of international patent families (IPFs) in this field from 2011 to 2022. However, China has emerged as a significant player, becoming the top source of patent applications by 2022.

Notable trends include the growing role of artificial intelligence, which has driven a 500% increase in grid-related patenting over the last five years, and the high prevalence of patents among grid-focused startups, particularly in Europe and the United States. These innovations are reshaping the electricity grid landscape, with applications ranging from remote fault detection to smart EV charging and virtual power plants.

This study serves as a strategic resource for policymakers, businesses, and researchers, offering valuable insights into the technological pathways and competitive dynamics shaping the future of electricity grids.

For more information visit EPO website.
Read the full study here.