Electricity Reinvented 2026

Global innovation trends in power systems While regional pathways may differ by market structure, resource availability and policy priorities, global trends show accelerating power system innovation. Intellectual property and investment data confirm this momentum: digital integration and electrification now anchor the energy transition. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported strong growth in energy technology patents from 2008 to 2023, with solar rising steadily and wind more than doubling. Fuel cells have declined, while geothermal and hydropower remain small and stable.5 The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a similar pattern in investment, with clean energy spending outpacing fossil fuels.6 WIPO also highlighted a sharp rise in energy-related technology patents between 2013 and 2023 (see Figure 2),7 alongside nearly 80% annual growth in generative AI applications for energy management between 2018 and 2023.8 3 Intellectual property and investment data confirm that digital integration and electrification now anchor the energy transition. Published patent applications by field of technology (2013 and 2023) FIGURE 2 0 100 150 250 200 300 50 Number of published applications (‘000s) +3.3% 51 37Thermal processes and apparatus52 64-2.0% Engines, pumps, turbines245 +4.1% Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy 88 +0.7% Semiconductors Patent applications 2023 Patent applications 2013 Average growth (%) 2013-2023164 82 Source: World Intellectual Property Organization, 2025.