Substation Automation Market Analysis By Component (Recloser Controller, Programmable Logical Controller, Capacitor Bank Controller, Digital Transducer/Smart Meter, Load Tap Controller, Communication Channel, Digital Relays), By Module (SCADA, IEDs, Communication Network), By Communication Channel (Ethernet, Power Line Communication, Copper Wire Communication, Optical Fiber Communication) And Segment Forecasts To 2024

Report Overview

The substation automation market size was valued at USD 114.0 billion in 2015 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the rising penetration in the industry to automate and efficiently analyze the substation data. There is an increased focus on distribution and transmission investments to address the distressed and aging infrastructure. Moreover, utilities are employing a greater emphasis on real-time, enterprise extensive information to secure accurate information, boost reliability, and to better manage assets and information, driving the industry growth.

Asia Pacific Substation Automation Market Revenue by Component, 2014 - 2024 (USD Billion)

Increasing developments, such as advanced SCADA and communication technologies, are driving the substation automation market. The communication channel is an integral part of the substation automation as all the IEDs and monitoring devices that are located at the substation and on the field generate data that has to be passed on to the utility data center, which is remotely located.

However, the lack of interoperability and global standards are restricting industry growth. Manufacturers in the industry are increasingly focusing on building common standards to eliminate the issue. For instance, companies such as ABB Ltd. are playing a significant role in the standardization of IEC 61850.

Component Insights

The communication channel component dominated the industry in 2015, accounting for over 27.1% of the overall market share. Communication schemes have been increasingly rectified and designed into the substation by the utilities to integrate IDEs and capitalize on control, protection, metering, and fault recording functions are available in digital devices.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) accounted for a revenue share of over 14% in 2015 and are anticipated to witness significant growth in the future. The manufacturers of PLCs are increasingly developing new products to meet the requirements of SCADA and substation automation applications. Furthermore, they are cost-competitive with the traditional RTUs and have benefits in substation automation and its applications. Applications of PLCs, such as protection and control, automatic switching, voltage regulation, automation system diagnostics, and remote control, are expected to increase the industry demand.

Module Insights

The SCADA segment is expected to witness significant growth at a CAGR of nearly 9% over the forecast period. Technological advancements in sensor technology, MCUs, and alarm management systems are anticipated to improve the overall communication system, thereby increasing the demand across the industry.

The energy and power sector has become incompetent owing to increased dependability and regulations. However, escalating adoption of SCADA systems is anticipated to drive demand for flexibility in investigating the infrastructure. Moreover, these systems supervise and control the power generation & transmission and improve overall efficiency.

Furthermore, IEDs contributed significantly to the overall industry and dominated the market with a revenue share of over 75% in 2015, owing to the upcoming deployment across the power sector. The increasing demand for a high voltage across commercial buildings and industries to operate machines is rapidly boosting the requirement for IEDs to reduce losses during distribution and optimizing efficiency.

Communication Channel Insights

The copper wire communication segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of over 12% from 2016 to 2024. The optical fiber communication is gaining popularity owing to several advantages such as lower attenuation and interference. Moreover, investments in telecommunications and information technology are contributing to the segment growth.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific market accounted for over 22% of the global industry share in 2015 and is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. Increasing investments aimed to boost the manufacturing activities across developing economies worldwide are expected to favorably impact industry growth. Moreover, favorable initiatives from governments in countries such as India, China, and Japan have led to rising demand across the entire region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The key industry players include Eaton Corporation Plc., General Electric Company, ABB Ltd., Crompton Greaves Ltd., Cisco Systems, Inc., Larsen & Toubro Limited, Verson Electric Pvt. Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, and Trilliant Holdings, Inc. In order to expand the global presence, manufacturers such as CG Global are increasing the substation automation businesses in Western Europe and Asia Pacific.

Substation Automation Market Report Scope