CIGRE 2026: Building Electric Networks for a New Electrification Era

In a shifting landscape towards a new electrification era, the international focus on building robust electric networks has intensified. The urgency to meet the rising demand stemming from transport, industry, and buildings has spurred a widespread call to action among industry stakeholders. At the recent CIGRE 2026 session held in Paris, over 15,000 experts from 100 countries convened, further exemplifying the critical juncture at which the global energy sector finds itself.

Global Investment Imperatives

A fundamental takeaway from the CIGRE 2026 conference was the acknowledgment of the staggering investment needed to effectively transition to the enhanced electric networks required for modern demands. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected a significant increase in annual investments needed for electricity systems, which should rise from approximately $400 billion to nearly $600 billion by 2030. This figure underscores the challenges associated with meeting both economic and environmental goals while accommodating the increasing integration of renewable energy sources.

The Challenge of Timeline

However, ever-increasing demand presents obstacles related to the speed of infrastructure development. For instance, in countries like China, construction timelines for high-voltage lines can be as short as 18 months, whereas in Europe and the United States, similar projects are often stymied by lengthy bureaucratic processes that can extend timelines to eight to ten years or more. This disparity in development speeds highlights a critical area for improvement in both policy and execution.

A Unified Approach: One Grid

A central theme of the conference was the concept of the “One Grid,” a unified energy system that integrates various stakeholders within the electricity supply chain. This collaborative approach calls for coordinated efforts across transmission and distribution network operators, technology providers, regulators, and government entities from the earliest planning stages of infrastructure projects. It implicitly reinforces the idea that only through joint efforts can the energy transition be successful. Konstantin O. Papailiou, president of CIGRE, articulated this sentiment powerfully: "No plan B, no planet B."

Skills Gap and Workforce Development

Beyond infrastructure, the event highlighted a growing skills gap in the energy sector. With approximately eight million individuals currently employed globally in electricity grid-related fields, the sector anticipates a need for an additional 1.5 million workers by 2030, as per IEA estimates. The challenge now is not only to attract qualified engineers and technicians but also to ensure their adequate training to handle the upcoming demands and complexities that electrification entails. The CIGRE has taken proactive steps through technical working groups and innovation funds aimed at addressing both educational and practical training needs in this crucial area.

Future Prospects: Building Together

The commitment to collaboration was further reflected during a visit from Mr. Martin, the French Minister of Industry, who underscored the essential nature of partnership in navigating the current electrification wave, recalling that CIGRE first convened in Paris in 1921.

As we stride into this new electrification era, a shared vision becomes imperative. The uniqueness of challenges faced today underscores the necessity for collective responsibility in shaping the future of our electric systems. The focus moving forward must not only be on infrastructure and funding but also on fostering collaboration, innovation, and competence throughout the energy sector.

About CIGRE

Established a century ago, CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of electricity systems. With around 25,000 members across approximately 140 countries, CIGRE fosters a global community that brings together researchers, engineers, regulators, and industry leaders committed to sharing knowledge and shaping the future of sustainable electricity supply. CIGRE provides access to working groups, technical publications, and networking opportunities through events like the Paris Session, aiming to address current societal and environmental challenges, thereby positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition.