Distribution grids are a fundamental component of a power system. While transmission lines serve as highways in electricity grids, distribution lines are the networks of streets and roads that deliver power to people and businesses. In other words, distribution grids are the final link in the delivery of electricity.
To deliver a Paris Agreement-aligned clean energy transition, distribution grids will likely need to expand universally. However, building distribution grids will be most important in those regions that currently lack access to reliable electricity supplies. For example, evidence suggests that micro or mini grid systems could provide power in areas of sub-Saharan Africa where demand is too low for grid services and meeting a community’s aggregate power needs makes more economic sense than building standalone systems for each individual household.
This indicator seeks to track the total capacity of distribution grids globally. The length of distribution lines across the globe increased from 31 million kilometers in 2014 to 41 million km in 2021. To meet climate goals, the length of distribution lines should expand to 150 million km by 2030 and 190 million km by 2050. Recent growth is well off track to meet the 2030 goal, and would need to increase 9 times faster to be on track.