Japan Automotive Lead Acid Battery Market Assessment, By Vehicle Type [Passenger Car, Three-Wheeler, Two-Wheeler, Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle], By Battery Capacity [Up to 20Ah, 20-50Ah, Above 50Ah], By Sales Channel [Original Equipment Manufacturer, Aftermarket], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F
Global gas insulated switchgear market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 22.38 billion in 2023 to USD 34.35 billion in 2031. The demand for gas insulated switchgear is driven by various factors, including the need for space-efficient power distribution solutions, technological advancement in smart grids, and the rise in focus on renewable energy integration. Additionally, rising investment in the industrial sector, rapid urbanization, and increasing demand in emerging economies further contribute to gas insulated switchgear growth.
A gas-insulated switchgear is a composite device encapsulated in solid metal frames, which includes different electrical devices such as circuit breakers, bus bars, transformers, earth switches, surge arrestors, etc. The devices are immersed in sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) inside shielded compartments, which are bordered by barrier devices.
The product can operate in confined spaces and under harsh environmental conditions, which drives the demand for gas insulated switchgears in industrial and urban areas. The demand arises particularly from densely populated cities and emerging countries, where urban areas are becoming increasingly congested, and space is limited. The rising demand is driving the need for advanced grid infrastructure. The global shift towards cleaner energy resulted in the integration of renewable energy sources into the existing grids, such as wind farms and solar power, as these sources required reliable, advanced, and compact solutions for effective power distribution, which further propelled the demand for gas insulated switchgear. Environmental regulations are shaping the market trends with the rise in SF6-free technologies. The leading manufacturers are developing more eco-friendly solutions to traditional SF6 gas GIS systems. Additionally, the adoption of smart grid technology is expanding the gas insulated switchgear market as utilities depend upon the advanced system, which enables real-time monitoring and fault detection.
For instance, in March 2023, Siemens announced a USD 31.67 million (EUR 30 million) investment in Frankfurt-Fechenheim, Germany, to develop, test, and manufacture SF6 gas-free, Blue gas insulated switchgear (GIS). The fully automated warehouse with a 1,200 square meter production area will allow the company to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly switchgear in the market.
Increasing Urbanization and Investment in Energy Production to Catalyze Market Growth
The rapid pace of urbanization is leading to significant growth in population increases in cities, resulting in limited availability of land for infrastructure development. In context, traditional air-insulated switchgear (AIS), which requires substantial space for installation due to the larger footprint, becomes impractical in densely populated areas. In contrast, gas insulated switchgear (GIS) systems are approximately smaller than AIS in terms of installation area. The compact design enables GIS installations in constrained environments, such as urban substations, underground stations, and offshore platforms. Furthermore, electricity demand has increased owing to exponential growth, which drives the demand for gas insulated switchgear equipment. Since the population is growing, the consumption of electricity will be on the rise, leading to increased demand for power. For instance, in July 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) mentioned global electricity demand is expected to grow by 4% per year through 2040, and the increasing demand will necessitate significant investments in advanced power distribution technologies, which will further propel the demand for GIS.
In June 2023, GE Vernova Inc. received a contract from Larsen & Toubro to supply the 380 kV T155 gas-insulated substations (GIS) equipment. The substation will be used in the world’s largest utility-scale hydrogen plant powered entirely by renewable energy.
Compliance with Renewable Energy and Environmental Regulations to Boost Market Growth
The focus on renewable energy with stringent environmental and safety standards serves as a significant driver in the gas insulated switchgear (GIS). As countries around the globe are moving towards clean sources of energy, the demand is rapidly growing for effective and reliable power distribution systems. Gas insulated switchgears have a compact design, which facilitates installation in confined spaces necessary for accommodating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Moreover, utilities undergo strict environmental regulations in terms of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, which promotes them to seek alternatives to traditional switchgear. Conventional switchgear heavily depends upon harmful insulating gases, notably Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The emergence of SF6-free switchgear enhances environmental safety and meets essential performance standards. Additionally, the above factors drive the demand for GIS technologies while supporting global sustainability initiatives, fostering further investments in this sector. Advancements in GIS technology are expected to play a pivotal role in the future development of sustainable energy systems.
For instance, in July 2024, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation received an order from Kansai Transmission and Distribution for its 84kV dry air insulated switchgear. The 84kV dry air insulated switchgear uses VI to interrupt current and dry air insulation as an alternative to SF6 gas.
Dominance of High Voltage Gas Insulated Switchgear
The high voltage (HV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) segment is currently leading the global market share due to its capacity to handle increased power transmission demands. HV GIS, typically ranging from 72.5 kV to 245 kV and above, is widely used in power distribution and transmission networks, especially in large substations and for long-distance transmission. The compact design makes the product ideal for urban environments and space-constrained installations, such as underground substations or high-density areas. Moreover, high-voltage GIS is essential for connecting renewable energy sources to power grids, and its demand is driven by the growing expansion of renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms. Additionally, the ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of smart grids are increasing the need for more reliable and efficient switchgear solutions.
Additionally, high-voltage gas insulated switchgear are low-maintenance systems with enhanced safety and reliability compared to traditional air-insulated systems. Gas Insulated Switchgear is favored for its ability to work in harsh environmental conditions. In offshore wind farms or desert regions, this capability boosts its adoption across essential industries such as utilities, transportation, and oil and gas.
For instance, in August 2023, The CHIPS and Science Act led to considerable investments in domestic semiconductor production, research, and workforce development, which had an unforeseen impact on the gas insulated switchgear market by strengthening the semiconductor supply chain.
Asia-Pacific Dominates the Gas Insulated Switchgear Market Share
Asia-Pacific is dominating the share of the gas insulated switchgear (GIS) market, owing to several key factors. The region is experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization, notably in countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, which is driving the demand for reliable and space-efficient electrical infrastructure. GIS technology is favored in these high-density urban environments due to its compact design, which requires less space compared to traditional air-insulated switchgear. China is a leading contributor to the market's growth. Its ambitious infrastructure projects, coupled with its expanding power transmission and distribution networks, are boosting the adoption of GIS. In addition, India is focusing on upgrading its aging power infrastructure, with significant investments in smart grid technology and renewable energy integration, where GIS plays a crucial role.
Moreover, electricity demand in this region is on the rise, and GIS systems are integral to handling high-voltage power in conventional and renewable energy sectors. Governments are pushing environmental sustainability through regulations that promote energy-efficient solutions, further driving GIS adoption. The growth of Asia-Pacific is supported by major investments in renewable energy projects, where GIS efficiently manages power distribution, making it a critical component in regional infrastructure development.
For instance, in 2023, China revealed an investment of more than USD 300 billion in the renewable energy sector, aiming to enhance its capacity significantly by 2030. It includes the construction of numerous solar and wind farms, where GIS is utilized to manage the complex power distribution networks.
Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)
Governments and utility companies are boosting their investments in electrical infrastructure to ensure reliability and resistance to climate change. This tendency is projected to result in significant market growth for GIS manufacturers.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to maintain its dominance in the GIS market due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Meanwhile, North America and Europe will contribute significantly, especially with the ongoing transition to renewable energy and grid modernization initiatives.
The global trend toward renewable energy sources, notably in Asia-Pacific and Europe, is likely to drive the demand for the GIS market. As more renewable energy projects become operational, the demand for reliable and efficient power distribution networks will grow.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Continuous innovation characterizes the global gas insulated switchgear market, as companies compete to provide innovations in GIS solutions such as SF6 free technologies and market expansion positions. The market prognosis remains positive, owing to increased demand for renewable sectors such as solar and wind. Global gas insulated switchgear manufacturers are concerned with government regulations and emerging technologies, which are expected to define the industry's future. Collaborations and developing technologies are projected to increase competition in this fast-paced market.
For instance, in August 2024, Hitachi Energy launched two groundbreaking SF6-free products at the CIGRE 2024 Paris Session, including a fully tested 550 kV circuit breaker and the world's first SF6-free EconiQ solution live tank breaker at the 420 kV level. The innovations represent a significant advancement in sustainable high-voltage technology.