Over the next 10 years, emerging nations will account for $13.6 billion in smart grid infrastructure investment as they roll out massive electric grid modernization programs to meet growing demand. 

“Smart grid investment over the next decade will shift from North America and Europe to emerging market nations,” said Ben Gardner, Northeast Group president. “Southeast Asian countries are just beginning on the path of modernizing their electric infrastructure. Strong GDP growth of nearly 6% through 2018 and corresponding growth in electricity demand will help lay the foundation for investment. Electrification programs and growth in renewable resources will also drive investment.”

Gardner said while Singapore is currently ahead of the rest of the region in development, the large markets in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines will make “significant” smart grid investments later in the decade.

Between 2014 and 2024, SE Asian countries are expected to deploy 37.3 million smart meters and also will invest in distribution automation and other smart grid technologies.

Many of the countries mentioned are well on their way and have smart grid roadmaps in place, and pilot projects underway. Regulatory programs are developing, Northeast Group says, but are expected to pick up momentum in the next several years. And utilities and vendors have been collaborating to be prepared when those regulatory programs do come.

The firm also notes that many of the smart grid’s major players are already deeply involved in the region, including ABB, Alstom, Echelon, Elster, GE, Itron, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Silver Spring Networks, Trilliant and additional global and local vendors.

Jesse Berst is the founder and Chief Analyst of SGN and Chairman of the Smart Cities Council, an industry coalition.