France, Paris: The CIGRE 2026 Paris Session brought together more than 15,000 participants from 100 countries and 330 exhibitors, with grid expansion emerging as a central theme.
Electrification of transport, industry and buildings, growing renewable generation and rising data centre demand are increasing pressure on electricity networks. According to figures cited from the International Energy Agency, annual global grid investment needs to rise by around 50 %, from roughly $400 B today to $600 B by 2030.
Delivery times remain a major constraint. Extra-high-voltage projects can reportedly be permitted and completed in around 1.5 years in China and approximately three years in India, while comparable projects in Europe and the United States can require eight to ten years or more.
Discussions at the event emphasised closer coordination between transmission and distribution operators, utilities, manufacturers, technology providers, regulators and public authorities. The concept of “One Grid” was presented as a way to improve coordination across planning, investment, equipment supply and system operation.
Workforce availability was another major concern. Around eight million people currently work in grid construction, operation and maintenance worldwide, while the IEA estimates that an additional 1.5 million workers will be needed by 2030.
The Paris Session also highlighted the growing importance of industrial capacity, permitting reform, investment frameworks and workforce development as countries attempt to accelerate transmission and distribution expansion.
CIGRE, founded in Paris in 1921, today brings together electricity-sector specialists from more than 140 countries.
Source: CIGRE
