Selecting the Right Technology Partner to Digitally Transform Your Energy Grid

Are you looking to digitally transform your energy grid? Or are you a technology vendor interested in what your competitors are doing to support the energy sector? This ABI Research Highlight reveals how Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, GE Vernova, and Hitachi Energy lead in innovation and implementation, offering cutting-edge solutions for energy distribution operators and utilities. Unlock insights into their go-to market strategies, advanced software, digital twins, and AI tools to optimize grid management.

As energy grids evolve with increasing renewable integration and digital demands, Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and utilities require robust technology partners to manage complex grid operations. This ABI Research Highlight evaluates the leading technology providers of comprehensive grid digitalization solutions, assessing their innovation in software, digital twins, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), alongside their implementation success across global markets. Highlighting top performers like Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, and GE Vernova, our Energy Grid Digitalization Technologies competitive ranking unveils the market leaders driving end-to-end grid management for a sustainable, efficient future.

Energy Grid Innovation Criteria

Technology vendors are supporting digital transformation in energy by providing the following innovations:

• Grid Planning and Operations—Management and Orchestration Software: Evaluates the breadth and effectiveness of solutions like the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), Energy Management System (EMS), and Geographic Information System (GIS). These technologies incorporate features for grid orchestration, renewables integration, fire prevention, demand-response, outage management, and energy trading.
• Grid Design and Simulation—Digital Twins: Assesses digital twin tools for substation and grid-wide simulation, enabling asset health monitoring, grid modeling, and hardware-free testing.
• Grid Automation Enablement—Digital and Virtual Substations: Measures advancements in digital and virtual substation technologies, emphasizing cost-effective, real-time grid control and remote configuration.
• AI and Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI): Gauges the use of AI and Gen AI for predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, energy trading optimization, and cyberthreat detection.
• Smart Meter Solutions, and Data Management and Integration: Evaluates integration of smart meter data for demand-side forecasting and flexibility management.
• Connectivity, Edge, Cloud, and Cybersecurity Solutions: Assesses connectivity across hardware, cloud enablement, and cybersecurity adherence to protect grid assets.

 

Top Grid Digitalization Innovators

 

1. Schneider Electric (87.3)

Schneider Electric leads in energy grid innovation with its unified, interoperable platform built around EcoStruxure. It excels in ADMS, DERMS, and OMS solutions tailored for TSOs, DSOs, and utilities. Its pioneering cloud-based virtual substations reduce hardware costs, while robust energy trading tools, bolstered by flexibility market partnerships, address evolving grid needs. The comprehensive portfolio’s synergy and focus on complex requirements secure its top ranking.

2. Siemens AG (85.5)

Siemens AG ranks second with its Gridscale X and Spectrum Power suites, offering a competitive array of digitalization tools. Its standout grid digital twins, EMS software, and meter management solutions are market-leading, with promising DERMS offerings under the “LV” line. Siemens falls short of the top spot due to less emphasis on energy trading partnerships and uncertainties in DERMS deployment.

3. GE Vernova (84)

GE Vernova secures third place in ABI Research’s innovation ranking with its GridOS^® suite, featuring top-tier GIS and DERMS solutions, and strong cybersecurity expertise. This is reinforced by active participation in CIGRE and IEC standards. Its hybrid substation virtualization and AI ecosystem engagement are notable, but weaker ADMS, EMS, and digital grid twin offerings prevent a higher ranking.

 

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Grid Digitalization Implementation Criteria

The following criteria evaluate the practical deployment of grid digitalization solutions:

• Geographical Reach: Measures presence and client activity in key regions, with emphasis on Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific (notably China).
• Revenue Market Share: Compares anticipated 2024 revenue share for grid digitalization solutions.
• Go-to-Market Approach: Assesses client support, solution integration, pricing flexibility, sales channels, maintenance approach, and time to market for new technologies.
• Sustainability: Evaluates carbon emissions reductions, SF6-free circuit breaker designs, and circularity in hardware lifecycles.
• Ecosystem Approach: Gauges vendor interoperability, open platform adoption, and participation in alliances like vPAC and E4S.

 

Top Grid Digitalization Technology Implementers

 

1. Schneider Electric (82.7)

Schneider Electric dominates in the implementation of grid digitalization solutions with the largest market share and deep integration across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. Its sustainability initiatives, including SF6-free circuit breaker solutions and strong ecosystem partnerships, make it a preferred partner for TSOs, DSOs, and utilities. Schneider Electric is a top choice for large grid operators, but it also appeals to smaller utilities because it offers solutions as standalone modules. The company effectively meets diverse grid requirements from centralized plants to renewable assets.

2. Hitachi Energy (77.4)

Hitachi Energy ranks second in grid digitalization implementation, driven by its strong market presence in Asia-Pacific, China, and Europe, and its customizable grid management software suited for medium and low-voltage networks. The Swiss-based company excels in custom consultancy and sustainability services, supporting renewable energy development and grid asset performance. Holding back Hitachi’s overall ranking is its closed approach to ecosystem partnerships and lack of innovative sustainability strategies.

3. Siemens AG (77.1)

Siemens AG takes third place in implementation criteria, with widespread adoption of its Gridscale X and Spectrum Power portfolios across all key regions, including China. Its robust go-to-market, sustainability, SF6-fee circuit breakers, EcoTech certification scheme, and ecosystem strategies are well-suited for modern grids. However, Siemens’ lower market penetration compared to Schneider Electric and Hitachi Energy limits its ranking.

 

Conclusion

These technology vendors empower TSOs, DSOs, and utilities to navigate the complexities of modern energy grids. For detailed insights into their solutions, download the full ABI Research competitive ranking report to inform your digitalization strategy or, if you’re a technology supplier, stack your portfolio up against the market.