CHINT has highlighted the need for accelerated grid modernisation in Europe as renewable energy integration, rising electricity demand and the growth of AI-driven data centres put increasing pressure on existing transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The company discussed the challenges and potential solutions during an executive roundtable held on August 25, 2026, titled “Grid Resilience at the Crossroads: Modernization, Renewables & CBAM, a Paradigm-Shifting Grid Load Driven by AI, and the New Investment Calculus.” The session examined Europe’s evolving grid requirements, renewable energy integration and the investment needed to strengthen grid resilience.
According to the industry context presented at the event, connection queues in major European markets can extend to seven to 10 years, with more than 1,500 GW of renewable energy projects reportedly awaiting grid connections. At the same time, electricity demand from AI data centres is expected to reach approximately 35 GW by 2030, adding further pressure to grid infrastructure.
The European Commission’s ETIP SNET paper estimates that Europe will require between €650 billion and €900 billion in grid infrastructure investment between 2026 and 2035 to support the energy transition and increasing electricity demand.
CHINT presented its portfolio of high-voltage and green-grid technologies aimed at addressing these infrastructure challenges. Its solutions include 1,000 kV low-loss and low-noise oil transformers, 750 kV natural-ester oil transformers and SF₆-free medium- and high-voltage switchgear, including 24 kV eco-friendly ring main units and 145 kV and 420 kV gas-insulated switchgear.
The company also highlighted solutions for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and data centre infrastructure, including cascading energy storage systems, 13.8 MW power conversion system-integrated substations, solid-state transformers, semiconductor circuit breakers and Data Center Power Pods.
CHINT said its solutions can provide a 20% to 35% total cost of ownership advantage, while offering shorter lead times compared with typical two- to four-year European OEM backlogs. The company has a global manufacturing capacity exceeding 10,000 units annually.
In Europe, CHINT has deployed its equipment across Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Greece. Its European offering includes independently certified KEMA type tests aligned with applicable European IEC standards.
The executive roundtable was moderated by Mathieu Leboulanger, General Manager, CHINT EEA, and featured Michel Serra, President, SuperGrid Institute; Paolo Miolo, Sales & Marketing Director, KEMA Labs; Beibei Zheng, VP, CHINT Global; and Dr. Naihu Li, VP, CHINT T&D and Head of Group R&D.
The discussions underscored the growing need for grid operators, technology providers and policymakers to accelerate infrastructure investment and deploy more flexible, resilient and sustainable grid technologies as Europe transitions towards a more electrified energy system.
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