Abstract:

The clean energy transition increases electricity demand and requires more wind and solar power, stressing power grids. Smart grid technologies can manage this transition, reduce the need for costly new infrastructure, and improve grid resilience and reliability. Understanding innovation in the area enables informed decision-making for policymakers and investors. This report draws upon the analysis of The European Patent Office (EPO) PATSTAT patents database which provides a highly valuable source of information to quantify innovation. It analyses trends in smart grid technology innovation, detailing the timing, locations, and subsectors of these advancements. By examining innovation at the city level it uncovers the geographical model of smart grid innovation. Additionally, this report measures smart grids specialisation using metrics developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), such as the Revealed Technology Advantage (RTA) to understand if a country specialises in certain technologies related to the rest of the world. Furthermore, it evaluates patent quality using OECD-developed measures such as originality and patent claims.