Electrical industry news 2020
Here are some significant electrical industry news stories from 2020:
- COVID-19 Impact on the Electrical Industry: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the electrical industry, with many companies experiencing supply chain disruptions, reduced demand, and changes in customer behavior.
- Smart Grid Investments: The US Department of Energy announced plans to invest $120 million in smart grid technologies, including advanced weatherization, energy storage, and grid modernization.
- Electrification of Transportation: Electric vehicle (EV) sales continued to grow in 2020, with many countries setting targets for EV adoption. The US saw a 10% increase in EV sales, while China became the world's largest EV market.
- Solar Energy Growth: Solar energy continued to grow globally, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicting that solar power will become the largest source of electricity by mid-century.
- Grid Resilience: The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a report highlighting the importance of grid resilience in the face of extreme weather events and cyber threats.
- Electrical Safety: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) launched a campaign to promote electrical safety, highlighting the importance of proper installation, maintenance, and inspection of electrical systems.
- 5G and the Electrical Industry: The rollout of 5G networks presented opportunities and challenges for the electrical industry, including the need for upgraded infrastructure and new technologies.
- Energy Storage: Energy storage technologies, such as batteries and fuel cells, continued to advance, with many companies investing in research and development.
- Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Governments and companies invested in the development of electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, with many countries setting targets for widespread adoption.
- Cybersecurity: The electrical industry faced increased cybersecurity threats, with many companies investing in security measures to protect their systems and data.
- Electrical Grid Modernization: The US Department of Energy launched a program to modernize the electrical grid, including the development of advanced technologies and infrastructure.
- Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydro power, continued to grow globally, with many countries setting targets for renewable energy adoption.
- Electrical Industry Mergers and Acquisitions: The electrical industry saw several mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Siemens' industrial automation business by ABB.
- Electrical Safety Standards: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released new safety standards for electrical products, including requirements for electrical safety in the workplace.
- Electrical Industry Workforce Development: The electrical industry faced a shortage of skilled workers, with many companies investing in training and development programs to address the issue.
These are just a few of the significant electrical industry news stories from 2020. The industry continues to evolve, with new technologies, trends, and challenges emerging every year.