Much of the opportunity for selling equipment into the Smart Grid is currently
perceived as occurring in the distribution segment. This reflects the emphasis
by both power companies and regulators on advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
and demand response (DR). But it also reflects the fact that there is a strong
perception that the distribution segment of the grid has failed to keep pace
with developments in digital communications and control technology.
As a result NanoMarkets/Smart
Grid Analysis believes that major changes are coming to the transmission sector
that will create new opportunities, not just for systems firms, but also for
firms that manufacture electronic components, develop IT systems and carry out
systems integration at every level. For equipment makers the new revenue potential
will range from new generations of small transformers to distribution automation
and communications systems. And in a market where the impact of information
technology has to date been fairly minimal, the distribution segment is expected
to see revolutionary developments in communications, security and monitoring.
Nonetheless, NanoMarkets
believe that it will be easy for firms selling into the Smart Grid distribution
sector to get caught up in the hype and overshoot what the market really demands.
With this in mind, this new Smart
Grid Distribution Equipment Markets - 2010 report begins by identifying
what the real and pressing demands for equipment from distribution modernization
will be as well as the considerable challenges that distribution equipment suppliers
face in the Smart Grid market. The focus of the analysis – and the forecasts
– in this report are on four main areas of opportunities in distribution:
- Smart grid transformers, switchgear and other hardware for the Smart Grid
distribution substation
- The equipment that resides on the non-utility customer premises, which
is likely to change significantly as metering, demand response and customer
power generation becomes more common
- Distribution equipment using novel materials/technology such as advanced
power electronics and superconductors. This includes, for example, Fault Current
Limiters (FCLs). We also discuss the role of FACTs (nominally a transmission
system) in the distribution sector
- Opportunities that are appearing in areas that have exhibited limited technology
change in the past; areas such as distribution transformers, conductors, insulators
and towers
Based on this analysis, Smart
Grid Distribution Equipment Markets - 2010 report discusses what the distribution
products of the future will look like and where they will fit into future grid
architectures. Smart
Grid Distribution Equipment Markets - 2010 report provide an eight-year
market forecast for all the main equipment categories, broken out by technology,
voltage supported, etc. Smart
Grid Distribution Equipment Markets - 2010 report also profile the product/market
strategies of leading suppliers and examine the latest distribution products
and technologies aimed at Smart Grid markets.
This is a worldwide study of Smart Grid distribution systems, technology and
markets and covers developments in North America, Europe, China, India, Japan,
Korea, and Latin America. NanoMarkets
believe Smart
Grid Distribution Equipment Markets - 2010 report will be essential reading
to suppliers of equipment, utilities and investors looking to get a realistic
appraisal of where money is being made and will be made in Smart Grid distribution
infrastructure.