Navigant Publishes Report on Non-Wires Alternatives

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Non-Wires Alternatives

Non-Traditional Transmission and Distribution Solutions: Market Drivers and Barriers, Business Models, and Global Market Forecasts

Traditionally, when a transmission or distribution system operator needed to upgrade or replace infrastructure due to aging equipment or increased load demand, it would simply conduct poles and wires projects. However, grid management and distributed energy resources (DER) technologies have improved, utilities are looking to engage customers more, and policy concerns related to cost and the environment have grown. In reaction, more creative solutions are being explored to address infrastructure needs at a lower cost with greater customer and environmental benefits. These types of projects are known as non-wires alternatives (NWAs).

The adoption of NWAs has mostly been focused in North America so far since European and other system operators approach grid management more holistically and try to address needs at a system level. Yet, it appears that NWAs are ready to become a bigger piece of the transmission and distribution (T&D) investment picture based on advancements in DER technology and utility willingness to try new means of infrastructure replacement. NWAs are expected to proliferate in all regions due to varying market conditions. According to Navigant Research, global NWA spending is expected to grow from $63 million in 2017 to $580 million in 2026.

This Navigant Research report examines the global NWA market, with a focus on market drivers and barriers, business models, and forecasts for non-traditional T&D solutions. The study provides an analysis of the trends related to NWAs to highlight varying regional activities and programs. Global market forecasts for spending, broken out by segment and region, extend through 2026. The report also analyzes the key procurement business models related to NWAs and provides case studies of recent NWA projects in the United States.

Learn more at https://www.navigantresearch.com/research/non-wires-alternatives