Ring Main Unit Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Gas-Insulated, Air-Insulated and Solid-Insulated), Installation, Voltage Rating, Component, Application, End User and By Geography

Ring Main Unit Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Gas-Insulated, Air-Insulated and Solid-Insulated), Installation, Voltage Rating, Component, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Ring Main Unit Market is accounted for $2.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. A Ring Main Unit (RMU) is a compact, enclosed unit used in electricity distribution networks to control and protect power distribution. It consists of switchgear components such as circuit breakers, isolators, and earthing switches housed in a single enclosure. RMUs are commonly used in urban areas and industrial complexes where space is limited, offering efficient distribution and reliable fault protection. They facilitate quick restoration of power supply by isolating faulty sections and rerouting power through alternate paths in the ring network. RMUs enhance grid reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and improve operational flexibility in medium voltage power distribution systems.

According to the IRENA’s (International Renewable Energy Agency) Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020, the Levelized Cost of Electricity Generation (LCOE) using various energy sources of different world regions was studied.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand for reliable power supply

Ring main units play a critical role in electricity distribution networks by enhancing reliability and minimizing downtime through efficient fault detection and isolation capabilities. As industries and communities prioritize uninterrupted power supply for operations and daily life, utilities invest in upgrading and expanding distribution networks with advanced RMUs. These units enable faster restoration of power in case of faults, reduce maintenance costs, and support grid stability.

Restraint:

Stringent regulations on SF6 gas

Stringent regulations on SF6 gas aimed at reducing environmental impact, drive manufacturers to seek alternatives, increasing R&D costs and complicating product development. The phase-out of SF6 gas affects RMU performance, requiring new technologies and materials that may not match SF6’s efficiency and insulation properties. This transition can lead to higher production costs and longer development timelines, potentially slowing market growth.

Opportunity:

Aging grid infrastructure

As existing grids deteriorate, there is a heightened need for modernization and upgrading to improve reliability and efficiency. RMUs play a crucial role in this process by replacing outdated equipment with advanced technologies that enhance distribution network performance and resilience. However, the retrofitting and replacement of aging infrastructure require substantial investments and coordination with utilities and regulators. This creates a market demand for innovative RMUs that integrate seamlessly with existing systems while meeting modern standards for safety, reliability, and sustainability in electricity distribution.

Threat:

Limited interoperability

Limited interoperability complicates system integration and maintenance for utilities and operators, leading to higher costs and operational inefficiencies. It also limits flexibility in network upgrades and expansions, as RMUs from different vendors may not communicate or operate seamlessly together. Moreover, it constrains technological advancements and innovation within the RMU market, as standardization and compatibility issues slow down the adoption of new features and functionalities.

Covid-19 Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the Ring Main Unit (RMU) market with varying effects across regions and sectors. Initially, disruptions in supply chains and manufacturing halted production, causing delays in project timelines. However, increased emphasis on renewable energy and grid modernization initiatives boosted demand for RMUs, particularly in utilities and renewable energy projects. Remote work trends accelerated the adoption of digital RMU solutions, enhancing monitoring and maintenance capabilities.

The gas-insulated segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The gas-insulated is expected to be the largest during the forecast period as Gas-insulated ring main units are a key component of modern power distribution systems, offering several benefits and catering to specific requirements. Gas-insulated ring main units employ sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas as an insulating medium, which enables compact and robust design. This compactness is a significant advantage, as it allows for installations in confined spaces, such as underground substations or densely populated urban areas, where space is limited. The use of SF6 gas also enhances the dielectric properties of the ring main unit, contributing to its efficient performance.

The substations segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The substations segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period as they are used in residential neighborhoods to ensure homes receive reliable electricity, in commercial areas to power businesses and services, and in industrial settings to support manufacturing processes and heavy machinery. They are also employed in critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and data centers, where uninterrupted power supply is essential for public safety and data integrity.

Region with largest share:

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period as RMUs play a crucial role in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electricity distribution networks across sectors such as utilities, industrial, and commercial. Factors such as increasing demand for reliable power supply, integration of renewable energy sources, and regulatory emphasis on grid resilience propel market growth. Key players focus on technological advancements like smart grid integration, cybersecurity, and sustainable practices.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to rapidly growing economic and industrial hub, Asia Pacific's demand for reliable and efficient power distribution infrastructure has driven the expansion of the ring main unit market in the region. As cities expand and industries flourish, the need for effective and resilient medium-voltage distribution networks has surged. Ring main units, with their compact design and enhanced protection capabilities, are well-suited to meet these demands, particularly in densely populated urban areas where space is at a premium.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Ring Main Unit market include ABB Ltd., Alfanar Group, C&S Electric Ltd., Crompton Greaves, Eaton Corporation PLC, Entec Electric & Electronic Co., Ltd, EPE Switchgear (M) Sdn. Bhd., General Electric Company, Hager Group, Havells India Ltd, Larsen & Toubro Limited, Legrand SA, LS Electric Co., Ltd., Lucy Electric, Ormazabal, Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG and TIEPCO

Key Developments:

In June 2024, ABB's integrated technology will stabilize the power grid as Spanish islands transition to green energy. With this project, Red Eléctrica advances the execution of its Network Development Plan 2021–2026, which will allow the integration of 67 percent renewable energy into the generation mix

In June 2024, ABB launches next-generation Robotics control platform OmniCore. Unique, single control architecture integrates ABB Robotics’ complete range of hardware and software

In June 2024, E Vernova Inc. and Seatrium Limited announced that, they have been awarded a third contract by TenneT TSO B.V. (TenneT) for the construction of a 2-gigawatt (GW) High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electric offshore transmission system in the Netherlands.

Types Covered:
• Gas-Insulated
• Air-Insulated
• Solid-Insulated

Installations Covered:
• Indoor
• Outdoor

Voltage Ratings Covered:
• Up to 15 kV
• 16-25 kV
• Above 25 kV

Components Covered:
• Switch
• Circuit Breaker
• Fuses
• Busbars
• Other Components

Applications Covered:
• Electricity Distribution Networks
• Substations
• Manufacturing Plants
• Transportation Infrastructure
• Commercial Buildings
• Wind Farms
• Solar Power Plants
• Rural Electrification
• Data Centers
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Renewable Energy
• Residential
• Commercial
• Healthcare
• Government and Public Services
• Mining and Oil & Gas
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements