National Needs for the Energy Internet

Developing the Energy Internet requires modern, flexible, and digitally enabled grids, expanded transmission infrastructure, and integration of renewable energy and AI-driven solutions to meet national energy and climate goals.

Transmission and Grid Expansion

The U.S. Department of Energy's 2026 National Transmission Needs Study highlights that aging transmission infrastructure, growing electricity demand, and shifting generation types create critical needs for upgraded or new transmission facilities. These improvements are essential to alleviate congestion, enhance reliability, and deliver cost-effective generation to meet current and projected demand . Globally, achieving net zero emissions by 2050 will require adding or refurbishing over 80 million kilometres of grids, enabling integration of renewable resources like offshore wind and desert solar PV projects far from demand centers .

Digitalisation and Smart Grid Technologies

Digitalisation is a key enabler of the Energy Internet. The EU and UK emphasize AI, data sharing, and smart grid solutions to optimize electricity distribution, improve energy efficiency, and support demand-side flexibility . Investments in digital technologies for grids have grown significantly, with global grid-related digital investment reaching $63 billion in 2022, and projected annual investment of $600 billion through 2030 to align with net zero trajectories . Digital solutions also enhance cybersecurity, operational resilience, and integration of distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar and energy storage .

Renewable Integration and Flexibility

The Energy Internet must accommodate variable renewable energy sources. Wind and solar PV are expected to account for over 80% of global power capacity growth in the next two decades, requiring grids to operate flexibly and leverage demand response, storage, and grid-enhancing technologies . At least 3,000 GW of renewable projects are currently waiting for grid connections, highlighting the urgent need for modernized transmission and distribution networks .

Policy, Investment, and Coordination

National needs also include coordinated planning, regulatory support, and public-private collaboration. Strategic roadmaps, such as the EU's AI and digitalisation initiatives, demonstrate the importance of tripartite agreements between operators, energy stakeholders, and authorities to ensure sustainable integration of digital and renewable technologies . Similarly, the DOE's Needs Study informs regional and interregional planning to guide investments and policy decisions .

Conclusion

The Energy Internet requires a holistic approach combining infrastructure expansion, digitalisation, renewable integration, and policy coordination. Meeting these national needs will ensure reliable, resilient, and low-carbon energy systems, capable of supporting growing electricity demand, decarbonization goals, and the broader digital economy .