Paris – September 07, 2026 -- The International Energy Agency estimates annual global grid investment must rise roughly 50%, from about $400 billion today to nearly $600 billion by 2030, to keep pace with surging electricity demand. The figures were central to discussions at the CIGRE Session 2026 in Paris, which drew more than 15,000 experts from 100 countries and 330 exhibitors.
Electrification of transport, industry and data centers strains existing grids
Rising demand from electric transport, industrial electrification, building conversion, renewable integration and data-center growth is pushing power systems toward their operational limits, according to CIGRE.
Permitting timelines in Europe and the US run four to seven times longer than in China
The IEA data cited at the conference shows high-voltage transmission lines can be permitted and built in roughly 1.5 years in China and near three years in India, compared with eight to ten years or more for comparable projects in Europe and the United States.
CIGRE calls for a unified 'One Grid' model spanning the entire value chain
CIGRE argues the energy transition will only succeed if future grids are planned, operated and governed as a single integrated system. That requires transmission and distribution operators to coordinate network development and system operation, equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers to scale up production and innovation, and regulators to establish stable frameworks that attract investment while preserving affordability. CIGRE President Konstantin O. Papailiou told attendees there is "no plan B, no planet B,