1、Patents for enhanced electricity gridsA global trend analysis of innovation in physical and smart gridsDecember 2024PATENTS FOR ENHANCED ELECTRICITY GRIDSepo.org|02Forewords As recently emphasised in Mario Draghis landmark report,taking the lead in new clean technologies and accelerating the energy

2、transition away from fossil fuels are key conditions for Europe to secure the competitiveness of its economy.Significant progress has already been achieved:Europe is producing record levels of renewable energy,and electricity-powered vehicles or heat pumps are being deployed on a continental scale.T

3、hese trends make it ever more urgent to also invest in smarter and more flexible transmission and distribution networks that can effectively balance the growing demand for power with new,variable sources of energy.In this context,producing reliable intelligence on available technology options relate

4、d to innovation trends is key for supporting robust business and policy decisions.This is also part of the EPOs strategic commitment to sustainability.This study the fourth of its kind undertaken in collaboration with the IEA since 2020 addresses innovation trends in power grids.Combining the energy

5、 expertise of the IEA with the EPOs patent knowledge,it highlights specifically the disruptive impact of digital technologies in that field,and the deep transformations taking place in a century-old industry as a result.Because patent information is the earliest possible signal of industrial innovat

6、ion,this report offers a unique source of intelligence on a complex and fast-moving technology landscape that is reaching new heights of strategic importance to decision-makers around the world.Patent protection is key for innovators to transform research into market-ready inventions.Patents enable