The smart grid revolution is reshaping the future of energy, driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience across power systems.
As the world pivots toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, smart grid technologies are playing a pivotal role in transforming the way we generate, distribute, and consume electricity.
From advanced meters to AI-powered grid management, the smart grid sector is rapidly evolving.
In this report, we highlight 20 game-changing companies that are leading the charge toward a smarter, more sustainable energy landscape.
These innovators are at the forefront, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance grid reliability, reduce emissions, and pave the way for a greener 2025.
Curious to learn more about the future of energy? Dive into our additional articles here.
Now, let’s explore the visionary companies driving the smart grid innovations of tomorrow.
#1 ENERGY POOL DEVELOPPEMENT
Headquarters: Paris, France
Energy Pool Developement is a leading energy management company that specializes in optimizing electricity consumption and providing demand response solutions to support the energy transition.
Key Patents in Smart Grid Technology
Method, system and device for balancing power in an electrical network (FR3110296B1)
Balancing power supply and demand in an electrical grid using demand-side balancing by industrial customers.
The method involves selecting activation thresholds for discrete loads based on system frequency or power changes.
This allows the loads to dynamically adjust power consumption to balance supply. The thresholds can be hysteretic to avoid oscillations.
The loads can also monitor their own regulation faults and select different thresholds. This allows industrial customers to actively participate in grid frequency regulation and balancing.
Device and method for automatic load management (FR3114699A1)
Device and method for automatic load management This disclosure relates to a load management device (114) comprising: an input interface for receiving electrical power consumption readings at a customer site.
A memory storing a power usage algorithm defining power consumption rules to be applied based on the power consumption readings; and an output interface for controlling a plurality of electrical loads at the customer site based on the power usage algorithm.
#2 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation, helping organizations optimize energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and transition to renewable energy sources.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Methods And Systems For Power Management In A Microgrid (US2022302703A1)
A method for power management in a microgrid, the microgrid including at least one renewable energy source, at least one non-renewable energy source and at least one grid-forming energy storage source.
#3 TURKCELL TEKNOLOJİ ARAŞTIRMA VE GELİŞTİRME ANONİM ŞİRKETİ
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Turkcell Teknoloji is a Turkish tech company focusing on developing advanced telecom and technology solutions, enhancing digital services and creating innovative products for various industries.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
The System That Enables Smart Micro Networks To Work Independently With Distributed Battery Systems (TR2021021826A2)
A system for managing renewable and non-renewable energy resources in a microgrid using distributed batteries and AI models.
The system enables balancing energy demands with batteries in a smart grid, storing excess renewable energy, and providing backup power during outages.
It leverages AI and distributed data analysis to optimize energy usage and exchange in the microgrid. The microgrid can operate independently or connected to the main grid.
#4 UNIVERSIDADE DE SÃO PAULO – USP
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
The University of São Paulo (USP) is one of Brazil’s top educational institutions, conducting cutting-edge research and contributing to advances in science, technology, and engineering.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Method And Management System Of Multi Sources Electric Networks (BR102021013424A2)
A distributed energy resources management system for reducing energy costs and deferring network investments in distribution systems with multiple loads and distributed energy sources like solar, wind, and storage.
The system optimizes operation of the loads and sources to minimize energy costs while satisfying constraints.
It uses a decision-making system that coordinates the sources, loads, and storage to reduce overall energy consumption and storage requirements.
The system aims to leverage distributed resources to improve efficiency and resilience while mitigating grid investment needs.
#5 UNIVERSIDAD ADOLFO IBAÑEZ
Headquarters: Santiago, Chile
Universidad Adolfo Ibañez is a prestigious university in Chile that conducts cutting-edge research, focusing on the intersection of business, technology, and innovation.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Equipment, System And Method For Optimally Managing Energy In A Network For Domestic And Industrial Use (WO2020206565A1)
The invention relates to energy management equipment for managing energy efficiently in a network in a simple, economic, maintenance-free manner, and which can be used easily for domestic and industrial applications.
Also proposed is the system for managing energy in a network for domestic or industrial use, which comprises a source of energy consumption, a main energy network, an intermittent energy source, a secondary energy generation source and an energy storage device.
Lastly, a method is proposed for managing energy by means of an optimisation model executed in the energy management equipment and system of the present invention.
#6 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the automotive industry, known for its innovation in transportation and mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Energy Supply System And Energy Supply Method (US2021305811A1)
An energy supply system comprises a plurality of grids that include an energy supply source and demanding equipment that demands energy supplied from the energy supply source, and a first management unit that manages the plurality of grids.
Each of the plurality of grids includes a second management unit configured to control the energy supply source and the demanding equipment and adjust demand and supply of energy inside the grid.
The first and second management unit include: a first obtainment unit that obtains states of the grids; a judgment unit that judges whether a supply of energy from an outside of the grids is necessary based on a result obtained by the first obtainment unit.
And a supply unit that supplies energy to a grid that has been judged to be in need of energy supply from an outside.
#7 COX COMMUNICATIONS INC
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Cox Communications is a leading provider of broadband communications and entertainment services, offering internet, TV, and telephone solutions to residential and business customers.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
System and method for smart local power distribution (US11190017B1)
A smart local power distribution (SLPD) system is provided for improving the efficiency of local power generation and consumption.
The SLPD system includes a local distribution grid connected to a regional power grid by a local power manager including a local power storage unit and further connected to a plurality of power meters.
The local power storage unit is configured to store excess locally-generated power and to provide supplemental power to prosumers for minimized usage of regionally-supplied power and minimized peak-time usage of regionally-supplied power.
The local power manager analyzes data provided by the power meters, generates power load and generation profiles, and makes various data-based power flow decisions corresponding to optimizing efficiency of the SLPD system.
#8 WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO
Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co is a global leader in industrial heating solutions, providing innovative thermal systems to industries like manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Masterless Distributed Dynamic Load Management (US2023178986A1)
A method of providing power, via a plurality of power control systems, includes forming, by at least two power control systems from among the plurality of power control systems.
A power network and defining, by each power control system of the power network, a power allocation schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model.
The power allocation schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the at least two of the power control systems to provide power to a load during the power cycle.
For at least portion of the power cycle, the method includes providing power to the load by the one or more designated power control systems of the power network based on the power allocation schedule.
#9 ENPHASE ENERGY INC
Headquarters: Petaluma, California, USA
Enphase Energy is a renewable energy company that specializes in solar energy solutions, offering products like microinverters and energy management systems for residential and commercial use.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Method And Apparatus For Managing Distributed Energy Resources (WO2023183447A1)
Managing distributed energy resources like solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles across multiple areas to optimize grid stability and efficiency.
Controllers in each area monitor local energy consumption and production from distributed resources. They also receive data from neighboring areas.
The controllers then coordinate the distributed resources in their area based on both local and neighboring parameters to balance supply and demand across the regions.
This enables cooperative management of interconnected distributed energy systems.
#10 LANDIS+GYR INNOVATIONS INC
Headquarters: Zug, Switzerland
Landis+Gyr Innovations is a global leader in smart grid solutions, offering advanced metering technologies and software to improve energy management and efficiency for utilities worldwide.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Distributed Control Of Energy Storage Device Charging And Grid Stability (WO2022170095A1)
An edge computing device may control load devices and DER (distributed energy resource) devices.
The edge computing device may be associated with an electric meter located at a premises or with a distribution transformer located at a secondary substation.
The control of the load devices and DER devices may be based in part on forecasted pricing information that considers factors such as equipment ratings for distribution equipment, environmental conditions, historical patterns of generation and load, and user input.
#11 UNIV SOUTH CAROLINA
Headquarters: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
The University of South Carolina is a major research university, offering academic programs in various fields, including technology, engineering, and renewable energy.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Method for Intelligent Load Management in Off-Grid AC Systems (US2020313437A1)
The current disclosure provides methods and systems for intelligent load management in off-grid AC systems and provides methods and systems to control and prioritize loads.
So that supply and demand can be balanced via an extremely robust and reliable system.
#12 INTEL CORP
Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA
Intel Corporation is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, providing innovative computing solutions that power everything from consumer devices to cloud infrastructures.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Tolerance-Based Intelligent Edge Network Energy Delivery (US2020021110A1)
Intelligent energy delivery to network devices that can adapt to energy variations and outages. The system calculates a flexibility metric for devices based on their energy tolerance.
During planned outages, it identifies a subset of devices with high flexibility ranked by metric. These devices are commanded to reduce consumption during the outage.
This selective load shedding allows targeted outages without impacting devices that can’t handle it.
#13 KYOCERA CORP
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Kyocera Corporation is a multinational electronics and ceramics manufacturer, known for its diverse range of products in sectors such as telecommunications, energy, and healthcare.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Electric Power Management Device, Electric Power Management Method, And Program (WO2024004684A1)
Power management device, method, and program that enables optimizing profit for a retail electricity provider by considering both the electricity rate they charge their customers and the market rate.
The device manages facilities with distributed power sources and executes specific control based on both the customer rate and the market rate.
It receives information on the market rate and uses it along with the customer rate to optimize profit.
#14 HITACHI LTD
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Hitachi Ltd. is a multinational conglomerate with diverse business operations, including advanced technologies in energy systems, automation, and digital solutions for industrial applications.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Aggregator System (WO2022260127A1)
Aggregator system for demand response (DR) in power systems that improves the ability of aggregators to respond to DR requests.
The system allocates adjustment targets to consumer facilities based on their controllability. It predicts how much power each facility can adjust in response to DR commands, and generates customized control commands to those facilities.
This allows optimized adjustment of received power from each facility to meet the DR targets at lower cost compared to uniform adjustment.
#15 SIEMENS AG
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Siemens AG is a global leader in industrial manufacturing, specializing in energy-efficient products, automation systems, and digitalization solutions for various industries.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Method And Control Device For Controlling Load Currents Between Several Energy Systems (EP4054045A1)
Method and control device for dynamically managing energy flows in a network of interconnected buildings and grids to prevent bottlenecks and maintain stability.
The method involves determining optimal power flows between buildings based on their transmitted maximum power capacity at each grid node.
It then calculates an internal flexibility requirement for the grid itself based on these flows.
By accounting for this grid flexibility demand when adjusting the maximum power capacity at each node, it ensures feasibility of the determined flows.
#16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP
Headquarters: Armonk, New York, USA
IBM is a multinational technology company, known for its innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions that help organizations thrive in the digital era.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Computer Modeling To Analyze Electrical Usage In An Electrical Grid For Facilitating Management Of Electrical Transmission (WO2022242334A1)
Generating a computer simulation or model to analyze electrical usage in an electrical grid for facilitating management of electrical transmission in the electrical grid, and more particularly, short-term electrical transmission.
The method involves developing a model to predict energy workloads and optimize short-term energy output to meet varying demands at a microcosm level.
The model uses input parameters like historical workload data, penalties, and constraints to predict peaks.
This helps identify optimal actions for short-term energy planning at a transformer level to improve grid efficiencies.
#17 STATE GRID CORP CHINA
Headquarters: Beijing, China
State Grid Corporation of China is the largest utility company in the world, providing electrical power solutions and investing in smart grid technologies for a sustainable future.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Load regulation and control method and device for power supply and demand response balance, equipment and medium (CN114520510A)
Load regulation method for balancing power supply and demand in a power grid using user devices to respond to grid needs.
The method involves electronic equipment like computers collecting user load power, temperature, etc. from the internet.
Based on this data, target power adjustments are made for the grid system. The grid control system then automatically adjusts load equipment to match the new targets.
This allows fast, localized load balancing by leveraging user devices.
#18 CHONGQING UNIVERSITY OF POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Headquarters: Chongqing, China
Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications is a leading educational institution in China, specializing in telecommunications, electronics, and computer science research.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Plant Electric Energy Management And Control System And Method Based On Edge-Cloud Cooperation (WO2021114661A1)
Factory electric energy management and control system using edge computing and cloud collaboration to improve flexibility, safety, and real-time performance of factory power systems.
The system has a cloud power management layer, edge computing layer, equipment layer, and power supply side.
The method involves generating power supply and consumption schemes at the edge using local data, then sending them to the cloud for optimization and coordination.
This leverages the real-time capabilities of edge computing while leveraging cloud resources for optimization and coordination.
#19 HUNAN UNIV OF TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS
Headquarters: Changsha, China
Hunan University of Technology and Business is a renowned university that focuses on providing research in areas like technology, engineering, and business studies.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Intelligent power supply dynamic hierarchical management method (CN114819750A)
Intelligent dynamic management of power supply systems to mitigate load shortages and reduce power outages during peak demand periods.
The method involves hierarchical management of power consumption based on priority levels. It involves monitoring network indicators, user behavior, and load conditions.
During peak hours, restrictions are applied to lower priority loads first. If shortages persist, higher priority loads are curtailed. The aim is to dynamically balance power demand and supply to avoid blackouts.
#20 Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave, Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatiky
Headquarters: Bratislava, Slovakia
The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava focuses on research and development in fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, and information technology.
Key Patent in Smart Grid Technology
Control system of the electrical distribution network with the processing of the excess power from the local power source (SK500902019U1)
The control system of the electrical distribution network with the processing of the excess power from the local power source has at least one source of electricity and a number of consumption points of end customers, where the consumption points are provided with a electricity consumption meter.
The electricity consumption meters are connected to the concentrator of the control system. The concentrator is connected to the control panel of the control system, and contains a control block.
The control element of the local source is connected to the control system control panel at the electricity supplier and at least a part of the consumption points is provided with a local storage element, the control of the local storage element being connected to the control panel.
The data connection of the control system concentrator to the control system control panel is bidirectional, thus achieving a fusion of the control and management system in one hardware array.
The control block has an OpenDAF telecontroller core, which includes measurement, command and setpoint processing algorithms, layered implementation of IEC-61850, Modbus / RTU, Modbus / TCP, IEC-60870-5-101, IEC-60870-5-104 protocols and a layered high-capacity archiving system.
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Looking Toward a Smarter Future
The landscape of smart grid technology is evolving rapidly, with trailblazers driving the shift toward sustainable, efficient energy solutions.
As the demand for cleaner energy grows, these innovators are redefining how electricity is distributed, monitored, and consumed, striving for a future where energy systems are both resilient and environmentally responsible.
With advancements in AI, renewable integration, and data-driven grid management, the smart grid sector is poised for transformation.
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