Electricity Reinvented 2026

Regional pathways Regional innovation patterns reflect distinct system needs, policy priorities and development pathways, shaping how each market transitions. Despite variations at country and sub-national level, distinct innovation trends are visible across regions. Patent data highlights regional differences in innovation focus. China has emerged as the fastest-growing source of grid-related patents, while activity in the European Union (EU), United States (US) and Japan remains strong but relatively stable (see Figure 3). Recent growth is concentrated in AI-enabled technologies – particularly forecasting, microgrids and outage management – signalling a shift from hardware-led innovation towards digital, data-driven system management (see Figure 4).9 4 Patenting trends, by global regions (IPFs, 2001-2022) FIGURE 3 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 202201002003004005006007008009001000 EU27 United States Japan P .R. China Republic of Korea Note: IPF = international patent family. Sources: International Energy Agency (IEA) and European Patent Office (EPO), 2024. Electricity Reinvented: How Innovation is Transforming the Future of Power Systems 8