Building the Future Transmission Grid

The urgency to expand and modernise the electricity transmission network infrastructure around the world is putting pressure on supply chains.

This report explores the evolving landscape of investment in electricity transmission networks and key trends related to the supply chain of key components. Based on a survey of industry stakeholders in 2024 by the International Energy Agency (IEA), it provides insights into how increasing infrastructure needs are affecting prices of components, lead times and related market dynamics.

Building on the analysis Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions, this report identifies actionable strategies to address challenges related to the supply chain for grid infrastructure, with a focus on transmission lines with voltages that exceed 66 kilovolts. It highlights growing constraints in the supply chain, the need for long-term procurement mechanisms, and the importance of coordinated planning to ensure timely infrastructure development. The findings serve as a guide for policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to navigate the complex landscape of transmission expansion and modernisation in the clean energy transition.

This document was developed under the Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA) initiative, which aims to enhance the capacity of regulators to increase the speed of clean energy transitions.