Survey Finds Technology Key to Power Grid Resilience

July 30, 2026 - 04:47

A sweeping global survey has identified technology as the single most critical factor for strengthening power grids against growing threats. The Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025, which polled energy experts and utility operators across multiple countries, found that digital tools and automation are now seen as essential for managing the shift to renewable energy and meeting decarbonization goals.

The report highlights that aging infrastructure and extreme weather events are pushing grids to their limits. In response, 78% of respondents said that smart grid technologies, including real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, are the top priority for investment. These systems allow operators to detect faults faster, balance supply and demand more accurately, and integrate solar and wind power without destabilizing the network.

Another key finding is that regulatory support is lagging behind technical capability. Many experts noted that while the hardware and software exist to make grids more resilient, outdated policies and slow permitting processes are blocking progress. The survey also pointed to a growing skills gap, with utilities struggling to find workers trained in digital grid management.

Decarbonization targets remain a driving force, but the path forward is uneven. In regions with high renewable penetration, such as parts of Europe, grid operators are already using AI to predict output from wind and solar farms. In other areas, the focus is still on basic upgrades to prevent blackouts. The overall message from the survey is clear: without a major push to deploy modern technology, the energy transition will stall, and power outages will become more frequent.