What Will the Power Grid of 2035 Look Like?

The global energy system is evolving faster than ever. With rising demand, renewable integration, electric vehicles, and digital transformation, the power grid of 2035 will look very different from today’s networks.

At VSS Power Engineering Services, we are already helping clients prepare for this future through smart grids, digital substations, and advanced commissioning solutions. Let’s explore what the grid of 2035 will look like.

1. Carbon-Free and Renewable-Dominated

By 2035, many countries will target net-zero electricity generation. Expect:

• Renewables (solar, wind, hydro) as the primary energy source.

• Large-scale battery storage systems to stabilize variable generation.

• Hybrid substations designed to integrate conventional and renewable power.

2. Decentralized with Prosumers and Microgrids

The grid will shift from a centralized model to a two-way, interactive network.

• Consumers become prosumers—producing power from rooftop solar and selling it back.

• Microgrids will provide resilience for cities, industries, and campuses.

• Peer-to-peer energy trading may become mainstream, enabled by blockchain.

3. Digital-First and AI-Driven

The grid of 2035 will be intelligent and automated.

• AI and machine learning will optimize demand forecasting and fault detection.

• Digital twins will simulate and test substation operations before real-world execution.

• Self-healing networks will detect and isolate faults in seconds.

4. Electric Vehicles as Grid Assets

By 2035, EVs will be common in homes and businesses.

• EVs will act as mobile storage units through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

• Smart grids will schedule charging to reduce peak demand.

• Cities will integrate EV fleets with renewable energy systems.

5. Cybersecure and Resilient

As grids go digital, cybersecurity will be as important as physical protection.

• Advanced intrusion detection and encryption will safeguard critical infrastructure.

• AI-based threat monitoring will protect against cyberattacks.

• Resilience planning will prepare grids for extreme weather and disasters.

6. Eco-Friendly Substations

Substations in 2035 will be designed with sustainability in mind.

• Alternatives to SF₆ gas (like g³ and vacuum switching) will replace harmful greenhouse gases.

• Compact GIS and hybrid substations will serve growing urban areas.

• Integration with energy storage and renewables will be standard.

7. Smarter Consumer Engagement

Consumers will have greater control over their energy use.

• Dynamic pricing will encourage off-peak consumption.

• Smart meters and apps will provide real-time insights.

• Communities may form local energy networks to share power.

Conclusion

The power grid of 2035 will be:

• Carbon-free → powered by renewables.

• Decentralized → with prosumers and microgrids.

• Digital → driven by AI, IoT, and digital substations.

• Resilient → ready for cyber threats and climate risks.

• Consumer-centric → empowering people to take charge of their energy.

At VSS Power Engineering Services, we are committed to preparing today’s infrastructure for this future through testing, commissioning, and digital transformation solutions.