The number of new patents to integrate artificial intelligence into global networks has increased sixfold in recent years, with China driving the overall innovation momentum. The European Patent Office, co-authors of the report, called on Europe to renew its efforts.
According to a new study, net-related patent activity has increased significantly in recent decades report by the EPO and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The organizations used global patent data to demonstrate innovation in both physical and smart grid technologies from 2001 to 2022.
The report identified the years between 2009 and 2013 when innovation in electricity networks grew at 30% per year, seven times faster than the average for all other technology areas. Although activity has since stabilized in most regions, it is still extremely high.
Artificial intelligence is currently a major focus in patent applications, with applicants keen to demonstrate smart grid solutions. Between 2010 and 2022, innovations in software boosted smart features in physical network patents by 50%. This growth was particularly notable in supply and demand forecasting tools and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Regionally, China is currently leading the growth. It overtook previous leaders Europe and Japan in 2022. Its share rose from 7% in 2013 to 25% in 2022. According to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, “this increases competitiveness for other regions.”
Birol added that inadequate electricity grids hinder economic activity and access to energy. However, the report’s findings suggest that innovators are responding to the need for more competitive and flexible networking technologies. The IEA will continue to help the world’s governments “drive innovation for safe and sustainable energy transitions,” Birol said.
EPO President Antonio Campinos stressed the need for Europe to regain the lead in network technology innovation. The report shows that before China emerged as the overall leader, Europe and Japan each accounted for 22% of all grid-related patents between 2011 and 2022. The United States lagged behind with 20%.
According to the report, universities, research institutes and startups contribute significantly to electricity grid innovation. Many are located in the United States and Europe. About 37% of these grid technology startups have filed patents, compared to the average patent filing rate of 6% among European startups. The figure shows that these smaller companies have great potential to attract venture capital investments. Recently, Belgian grid orchestration software maker Powervault raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding.
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