Digital Lifescapes

We know artificial intelligence consumes huge amounts of energy. The power grid is now a major concern in enterprise technology strategy, and it's reshaping decisions that used to belong entirely to the CIO. For three decades, capacity planning meant negotiating with a cloud provider or a colocation vendor. Today it increasingly means understanding utility interconnection queues, local zoning battles, and the willingness of hyperscale operators to build faster than the grid can comfortably absorb. New research from Synergy Research Group puts deep market data behind a trend every large enterprise buyer has already felt: the constraints are real, but the AI  infrastructure build-out is not slowing down. Electric Power Grid Market Development Synergy's tracking shows that total U.S. data center capacity is on pace to double within the next three years, even as power availability and local opposition create genuine friction for new projects. It's a striking signal that demand ...

The most consequential infrastructure decision an electric utility executive will make this decade has nothing to do with poles, wires, or substations; it's a software decision. The global power grid is undergoing a transformation so fundamental to future economic growth. It's become a total re-imagining of energy generation and optimal delivery. From a predictable, one-way system built around centralized generation, to a dynamic, bidirectional network that must simultaneously balance millions of decentralized inputs, while bracing for the twin pressures of climate volatility and surging demand. For C-suite leaders across energy, technology, and finance, this shift is no longer a horizon event. It is the operational reality of today, and the strategic battleground of the next decade. Grid Intelligence Market Development According to the latest market study by ABI Research, the core Grid Management software market is projected to reach $77.2 billion by 2035. That figure is a pro...

The global digital business arena's relentless expansion drives an unprecedented surge in IT data center demand. This comes with a significant challenge: rising energy consumption costs.  Based on the latest research, I've observed how this trend is reshaping the cloud computing industry and creating both obstacles and opportunities for leaders across the tech spectrum. Data centers are experiencing an infrastructure transformation, primarily fueled by the explosive growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads. Data Center Energy Market Development According to a recent IDC worldwide market study, AI data center capacity is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.5 percent through 2027. This AI-driven demand is reshaping the data center sector and redefining the economics of IT infrastructure. "There are any number of options to increase data center efficiency, ranging from technological solutions like improved chip efficiency and liquid cooling...

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly gaining ground as we transition towards net-zero emissions. However, this transition hinges on a crucial but often overlooked factor: the modernization and expansion of our aging power grids across the globe. For decades the backbone of our electricity delivery system has been largely static. The influx of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind presents a new challenge. Smart Power Grid Market Development Integrating these resources effectively requires a Smarter, more Responsive grid that can handle fluctuating power generation and efficiently distribute it across vast distances. This is where a new trillion-dollar energy market growth opportunity emerges. According to a recent worldwide market study by ABI Research, global investments in public grid digitalization and transmission network expansion must exceed $4 trillion by 2030 to meet our ...

The world's electrical grids require significant modernization to handle the transition to renewable energy sources and enable more efficient energy distribution and consumption. Enter the smart grid that uses digital technologies to automatically monitor energy flows, integrate renewable sources, and self-heal from outages. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, the benefits of smart grid adoption include cost savings for utilities, a reduction in environmental impacts, improved grid reliability, and greater consumer control over energy usage. However, significant barriers are slowing widespread smart grid deployment globally. Smart Grid Market Development The financial incentive for utilities to invest in smart grid infrastructure is now overwhelmingly clear. Juniper forecasts that worldwide savings from smart grids in terms of reduced energy and emissions costs will grow from just $84 million in 2024 to $290 billion annually by 2029 -- that's a 2...

The electric utility sector has evolved and the market has become increasingly complex. Concerns around how energy is created and utilized, coupled with climate change, nudged suppliers toward more renewable energy. Problems in the global energy supply chain have underlined the increasing necessity of renewables, such as solar and wind power, translating into the advent of alternative energy generation. However, renewables do not generate electricity continuously, and therefore these systems must be automated, plus the energy generated must be stored and distributed more efficiently. Smart Grid Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, cost savings from Smart Grid deployments will exceed $125 billion globally in 2027 -- that's increasing from just over $33 billion in 2022. This 279 percent growth will be driven by rising energy prices, with smart grid technologies playing a critical role in increasing electric network efficiency and opti...

The electric distribution industry continues to invest in digital transformation projects. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology is becoming a driver for connected electricity meters, which will reach an installed base of 1.3 billion by 2027. AMI growth is prompting utilities and energy suppliers to revisit their IT infrastructure security and device management operations, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research. Energy Infrastructure Security Market Development Digitization of traditional electricity grids and the modernization of the aging energy infrastructure is among the top concerns for utility operators and governments worldwide. Security for last-mile energy consumption applications was frequently overlooked. "However, the introduction of AMI, smart metering, and grid digitization is steadily increasing spending for secure management services, assisting implementers to transition to IT (information technologies) and OT (operational techno...

Climate change is top of mind within many boardrooms, as executive leaders consider how to react to the predictable new government mandates. Some organizations around the globe have already created climate-related targets for reaching net-zero carbon emissions, including forward-looking telecom service providers. "These telco operators are at the intersection of communications and information technology, putting them in a unique position to offer connectivity and technological solutions that are not only lowering their own carbon emissions but also the emissions of their customers," said Kim Johnson, principal analyst at ABI Research . Telecom Infrastructure Sustainability Market Development Each of the market leaders has transitioned to using more than 50 percent renewable energy for global purchased electricity, and two have reached 100 percent penetration. The use of renewable energy has reduced the leaders’ total carbon emissions by 8.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxi...

The Internet of Things (IoT) has numerous applications within the energy and utility sector. As an example, smart meter penetration in North America is forecast to reach 81 percent by 2024. A smart meter is a new kind of gas and electricity meter that can digitally send meter readings to the energy supplier for more accurate consumption readings. Smart meters can also provide in-home displays that enable the consumer to better monitor and manage their energy usage. According to the latest worldwide market study by Berg Insight, the installed base of smart electricity meters in North America will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent between 2018 and 2024 to reach 142.8 million units at the end of the forecast period. Smart Meter Market Development Over the next five years, smart meter penetration among electricity customers in the U.S. and Canada is projected to increase from around 60 percent in 2018 to more than 80 percent by the end of 2024. "North Americ...

Upgrading electrical grids and water infrastructure around the world with new capabilities -- such as network communications, remote and automated management of elements in the field, and new utility management functionalities -- continues to gain momentum. However, smart infrastructure demand means increased dependence on new technology and communications connectivity, which greatly introduces IT security risks. Smart Utility Market Development The new infrastructure can expand the number of threat vectors, rendering smart utilities vulnerable to cyber attacks. Maintaining resilient electrical power generation and transmission -- as well as water distribution and treatment -- are key to protecting the public utility environment. Therefore, effective cybersecurity must be a function of hardware, software, data, and networks. The modernization of utility infrastructures is enabling increased efficiencies and reliability through digitization, connectivity, and IT-based approach...

Air pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas continues to challenge the leadership in major cities across the globe. As a result of these growing problems, more local government leaders are considering alternative approaches to public policy resolutions. Promoting a variety of electric vehicle technology is gaining momentum worldwide. ABI Research predicts an imminent rise in smart electric mobility. Their latest market data analysis lead to a forecast that global electric vehicle revenue will reach $58 billion in 2021 -- that's more than five times the market value in 2015. "The role of vehicle electrication in urban areas is part of a broader smart mobility model that includes shared vehicles, charging options, and driverless electric vehicle fleets of cars, buses, trams, and light rail," said Susan Beardslee, senior analyst at ABI Research . "No singular option prevails -- in fact, innovative manufacturers are creating ways for them to converge." ...

The manufacture and distribution of energy is evolving, just like all the other sectors that adopt Industry 4.0 production methodologies. Across the globe more utility companies are seeking ways to reduce cost and increase efficiency in their infrastructure operations. The most progressive have applied smart technologies. In its latest study on smart metering, ABI Research estimates that smart meter deployments -- led by energy and water utilities -- will result in a global installed base of more than 1.1 billion smart meters within the next five years. Smart electricity meters will constitute the largest share, occupying more than 72 percent of the overall installed base of smart meters, but research suggests water meters are on track to witness the most overall growth. "The global smart meter market for electricity and gas is reaching a degree of maturity, as utilities in most regions are either in advanced stages of rollouts or have laid out plans for phased deployment,...

Network connectivity and wireless communication technologies are essential for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions -- they provide the basic infrastructure for connected assets, such as sensor modules. Most vertical markets are dependent on innovation in device and communication technologies to lower long-term enablement costs -- to enhance services, and to offer new services. In particular, the generation and distribution of electrical power is a market that's already primed for change. A case in point: growth of the solar and wind energy industry will increasingly rely on IoT-based technologies and services, according to the latest global market study by ABI Research. They forecast that IoT connected wind and solar installations will grow at a CAGR of 21 percent between 2014 and 2020 -- with the total number of connections growing from the almost 2 million in 2014 to 6.3 million in 2020. "With the expected decline of government incent...

Most utility companies have a plan to utilize technologies that are key ingredients of the Internet of Things (IoT). As an example, the Smart Grid Sensor market will expand rapidly in the coming decade, with revenues growing nearly ten-fold, according to the latest worldwide market study by IHS. IHS forecasts that while the smart grid sensor market only accounted for less than 20 percent of total sensor sales revenues in 2014, they will account for 75 percent of the total sensor market in 2021. The smart grid sensor market is expected to reach the $100 million mark in 2017. To date, the market for smart grid sensors is centered mainly in North America, where there is a mixture of a few large installations and many smaller pilot projects. There's a pressing need to monitor the electric grid in real-time, and utilities are expected to gain greater value by installing smart grid sensors, which can potentially improve utility operations and performance. The United States marke...

What strategies are being employed in leading smart cities? What are the key trends shaping the smart city landscape? And, what is the value of cost savings that can be expected from smart city projects? These are the questions that were asked during a new global market study, and an assessment of the resulting findings. Juniper Research has revealed the top ranking Smart Cities globally for 2015. They are (in order of rank), Barcelona, New York, London, Nice and Singapore. The Juniper Smart City Rankings have been compiled following an analysis of the Smart capabilities offered in each city, with particular focus on their use of smart grids, smart traffic management and smart street lighting. Furthermore, the ranking considered other aspects of a Smart city -- such as technological capability and social cohesion, among others. It was found that the leader, Barcelona, performed consistently well across all metrics and serves as an exciting model of success from which others can...

The Internet of Things is a compelling concept, especially where industrial applications are involved. Electrical power generation and distribution is one of those applications. But there are also other practical apps within the energy sector. According to the latest market study by ABI Research, spending on big data and analytics in the energy industry will amount to $7 billion in 2014, representing over 15 percent of the overall cross-industry spending. In 2019, the spending on energy analytics will exceed $21 billion, following a CAGR of 25 percent. As a sector, energy has traditionally been very conservative -- slow to change and unimaginative -- in adopting new forms of business technology, but the resistance to change has already started softening. "Greater shareholder pressure is pushing many energy groups to improve their returns after having it easy in the past. In such a highly asset-intensive field, huge cost savings are possible by making the operations more dr...

The Chinese government has been an early pioneer of smart grid technology. Since embarking on its national smart metering project at the turn of the decade, more than 200 million new electricity meters have already been deployed across China. However, according to the latest market study by ABI Research, only around 50 million have so far been connected with bi-directional communication that can support true smart meter capabilities -- such as 'demand response' measurement. In short, this key smart meter project has not been that intelligent -- relatively speaking. But it is set to get smarter, and that means another wave of opportunity for utility industry technology providers. China’s smart meter rollout is a key deployment representing a significant share of smart meter shipments and investment worldwide. Furthermore, connectivity technology semiconductor providers -- such as ST Microelectronics, Silicon Labs, and Atmel -- are likely to benefit. Smart meter vendors -...

The notion of an Internet of Things (IoT) includes some very practical applications within the home. The global smart thermostats market is expected to grow from 1.3 million in 2013 to 8 million unit shipments in 2018 -- that's  a CAGR of 43 percent, according to the latest market study by ABI Research. Disruptive innovation in thermostats from new entrants such as Nest Labs, ecobee, and EcoFactor has significantly raised the bar for product design and innovation in a device category that had seen little change over several decades. As demand grows in the coming years, smart thermostat global revenues are expected to experience five-fold growth to reach $600 million by 2018. Currently, North America is the most lucrative market for smart thermostats, contributing more than half the worldwide total. Driving this region’s dominant market share is a tech-savvy population adopting smart mobile devices packed with low-cost wireless sensors, an expanding install base of buildings...

After years of steady but low growth, the commercial building automation systems (BAS) market is experiencing a rapid period of change and investment. Traditionally, growth and adoption has been closely tied to new building completion but new entrants and new connectivity are driving greater investment. According to the latest market study by ABI Research, over the next five years the building automation services market will grow to $43 billion -- that's up from $35 billion this year. Two key factors are driving a new round of growth. Greater environmental and financial demands have raised the appeal of reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings and the benefits for optimizing building automation systems. In addition, a new level of connectivity that stretches the reach of BAS apps from new sensors and actuators through to cloud application management and data analysis. "This is a market long dominated by a handful of major players who deploy and manage comm...

The Smart Grid initiative is an enormous effort -- intended to modernize aging electrical distribution and delivery infrastructure across the world. The global scale alone makes this a colossal task. Complicating this effort is the incredible variety of electrical systems throughout the world, and the vast maze of utilities that are currently managing them. Just in the U.S. market alone, there are more than 3,000 separate utilities, local governments, and private companies operating America's electrical grid. According to the latest market study by NPD In-Stat , they now forecast that by 2016, over 75 percent of all U.S. electric meters will be converted to smart meters. "Over the next five years, and for decades thereafter, the world will be deploying the smart grid," says Allen Nogee, Research Director at NPD In-Stat. Initially, most of this effort will be directed at smart meters, but once those are out, client devices, software, and home automation equipment...