• Market Insights

Smart Grid: Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers Sector Snapshot

We are pleased to share our latest research, a Sector Snapshot Report on Smart Grids.

This report is the fourth in a series of five, each focusing on a key sub-segment within the Smart Grid sector: (1) Architecture, Engineering and Construction, (2) Hardware and Components, (3) Software and IT, (4) Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers, and (5) Independent Service Providers.

With a focus on the Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers sub-segment, the report covers the following topics and key points:

Smart Grid Definition (across all sub-segments):

  • Digital, self-monitoring grid with automation, real-time control, and two-way energy and data flow

  • Connects renewables, storage, and smart devices to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability

Market Size and Overall Growth (across all sub-segments):

  • Market size of USD 60 bn (2024), expected to grow to USD 289 bn by 2034 (CAGR 16.9%)

  • Main Growth Areas: Renewable energy integration, grid automation & digitalization, EV infrastructure, and energy storage

Purpose (Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers):

  • Operate and stabilize the grid while ensuring efficient, real-time electricity supply, demand balancing, and market-based energy trading

Key Customers & Applications (Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers):

  • Residential, commercial, and industrial consumers

Market Structure (Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers):

  • Market dominated by large utilities and TSOs; highly regulated and fragmented across regions

  • EU-driven unbundling separates grid operation from energy supply, with varying implementation across countries

Selected Key Players (Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers):

  • The four TSOs in Germany (Amprion, 50Hertz, TransnetBW, TenneT), large utilities such as RWE, Mainova or Enel Group and DSOs such as Netze BW, Westenergie or e-regio

Transaction Market Dynamics (Grid Operators and Energy Suppliers):

  • Increasing M&A in power plants, utility carve-outs, and digital grid assets, driven by renewable integration and regulatory goals. DERs and EVs push for grid flexibility and digital upgrades

  • Cross-sector M&A expected with digital grid and e-mobility convergence, while regional DSO consolidation boosts smart grid scalability

Please reach out to us if you would like to discuss the sector in more detail or would like to talk about specific transaction opportunities in the space!

Link zum Sector Snapshot (EN)