Electricity Reinvented 2026

Images: Getty Images Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2026 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Introduction 3 1 Redefining power systems through innovation 4 2 Unlocking system and business value through innovation 5 3 Global innovation trends in power systems 7 4 Regional pathways 8 North America: innovation in digital intelligence and grid resilience 10 Europe: innovation for flexibility and competitiveness 10 China: innovation for system integration under the dual carbon goals 10 ASEAN: innovation through integration and finance 11 India: innovation in digital grids and decentralized access 11 Advanced Asia and Oceania: innovation for flexibility and decarbonization 12 Middle East: innovation in using digital to meet demand growth with low-carbon sources 12 Africa: innovation in decentralized access and digital planning 12 Latin America: innovation in grid modernization and hybrid systems 13 Case study: Uruguay – innovation through policy alignment 13 5 From insights to action 14 Contributors 15 Appendix 17 Endnotes 18 This briefing paper is a short primer for the Innovation Playbook for Future Power Systems, launched at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters in January 2026. The paper highlights key insights and trends for both Annual Meeting participants and a broader global audience. Electricity Reinvented: How Innovation is Transforming the Future of Power Systems 2