Energy companies should be aware of these digital trends in 2026

Smart grids are electricity grids that have been further developed using digital information and communication technologies. They enable decentralized and dynamic control of generators and consumers and balance supply and demand in real time. In this way, renewable energies can be reliably integrated. At the same time, smart grids help to make the energy system as a whole more stable, flexible and efficient. The experts surveyed consider this trend to have a very high impact on the energy sector and assign it a high priority.

Cognitive energy systems: AI as the control center of energy flows

Cognitive energy systems use artificial intelligence to control energy flows in a self-learning and adaptive manner. They are able to digitally simulate complex energy structures and derive optimal control decisions from this. This allows renewable energies to be better integrated, fluctuations in the system to be balanced out and the efficiency and stability of the energy system to be further increased. Here, too, the experts see both a major impact on the energy sector and a high priority.

Predictive analytics & maintenance: detecting failures before they occur

Predictive analytics and predictive maintenance technologies are based on the digital twin and, where applicable, the Internet of Things. A continuous flow of data makes it possible to permanently monitor the condition of plants and systems. This makes it possible to predict when a failure is imminent, for example, and how to take preventive action at an early stage. This predictive maintenance increases security of supply and reduces costs in the long term. The experts also rate this trend as highly influential and a high priority for the energy sector.

Digital trading platforms: Energy trading in real time

Digital trading platforms enable short-term and virtual energy trading by collecting and processing data in real time. In particular, they strengthen the direct marketing of energy and involve a steadily increasing number of prosumers, such as private system operators. This makes the energy market more flexible, transparent and decentralized. The experts also believe that this trend will have a major impact on the energy sector.

Cybersecurity: protecting critical energy infrastructures

With increasing digitalization and networking, the importance of cybersecurity in the energy sector is also growing. It includes protecting the digital energy infrastructure from cyber attacks in order to guarantee security of supply at all times. Critical systems must be protected by minimum standards and continuously adapted to new threats. In line with its high relevance, the experts in the Bavarian energy landscape classify cybersecurity as a trend with a very high impact on the energy sector and a high priority.