Electricity Delivery and Management:

Transmission

Advanced energy transmission technologies include upgrades to traditional approaches and new transmission projects. Global 2011 revenues for these systems were just over $8.5 billion.

The transmission system is a high-voltage network that moves bulk power from power plants to load centers. Advanced energy transmission technologies include upgrades to traditional approaches, such as flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, typically implemented as new transmission projects. Global 2011 revenues for these systems were just over $8.5 billion, including advanced AC transmission and full HVDC and submarine cable system project revenue. Growth estimates for 2012 are high; this is driven by major HVDC projects associated with Chinese grid expansion for connecting coal and wind generation between the country’s interior and coastal cities, as well as the evolution of a European “supergrid,” strengthening the continent’s grid interconnections.

The United States is also set to see significant advanced energy transmission revenue growth from a 2011 base of $1.0 billion, despite some regulatory uncertainty. Transmission capacity increases aimed at connecting new wind and solar capacity in Texas, the Midwest, and the Western states are driving factors, as are potential transmission flow changes due to coal-fired generation plant retirements.

Economic Impact

Advanced Energy Companies

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