Smart Ring Main Unit Market Size - By Insulation (Gas, Air, Oil, Solid-Di-Electric), By Position (2-3-4 Position, 5-6 Position, 7-10 Position), By Technology (Motorized RMU, Non - Motorized RMU), Installation, Component, Application & Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Size

Smart Ring Main Unit Market size was valued at USD 2 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at over 8.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, due to a heightened need for efficient distribution and control systems for transmission. The industry's growth is led by increased investments in real estate and the requirement to upgrade current electrical infrastructure. Essential factors for assessing the industry's potential include product size efficiency, operational safety, and cost-effectiveness. The market for medium voltage compact switchgears will be reinforced by continuous efforts for rural electrification and the rapid expansion of micro-grid networks.
 

A Smart Ring Main Unit (RMU) is a type of electrical distribution equipment used in medium-voltage power distribution networks. It serves as a compact and modular solution for controlling and protecting the distribution of electricity to various loads, such as residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. RMUs are commonly used in urban areas where space is limited and reliability is crucial. It contains numerous components and features including high-voltage switches that allow operators to control the flow of electricity, sensors and communication technologies that enable real-time monitoring of parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and fault conditions and others.
 

Furthermore, it offers various advantages including remote operations, efficient data communication, fault detection & diagnostics and smooth integration with smart grids, which drives its adoption across the globe.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The covid 19 pandemic had a mix impact on the smart ring main unit market. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and temporary closures of manufacturing facilities in different parts of the world disrupted the supply chain for RMU components. This led to delays in production and delivery of smart RMUs.
 

Many construction projects, including those related to power distribution infrastructure, experienced delays due to the pandemic. This further impacted the demand for smart RMUs in new installations. Economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic have also led to budget constraints for utilities and other organizations responsible for power distribution, which in turn has affected the investments in upgrading to smart RMUs.
 

However, the pandemic highlighted the importance of remote monitoring and control in various industries. This accelerated the adoption of smart RMUs with remote monitoring capabilities, as utilities sought ways to manage their networks without physical presence. Furthermore, the pandemic underscored the need for resilient and reliable power distribution networks, which could drive the demand for advanced solutions like smart RMUs in the long term.
 

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Trends

Smart ring main units are gaining a substantial adoption across the globe owing to its numerous features. These units are becoming increasingly integrated with broader smart grid initiatives. This integration aimed to enhance overall grid efficiency, reliability, and real-time monitoring capabilities. The ability to remotely monitor and control RMUs is a growing trend across the world. Utilities and operators were seeking solutions that allowed them to manage their networks and respond to issues without the need for on-site visits.
 

Advances in sensor technology were driving the inclusion of more sophisticated sensors in smart RMUs. These sensors provided real-time data on parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and fault conditions, enabling quicker fault detection and diagnostics. In addition, the increasing integration of renewable energy sources into power grids was influencing RMU design. Smart RMUs needed to accommodate bidirectional energy flow and manage fluctuations caused by sources like solar and wind, which is complementing its deployment across all major countries.
 

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Analysis

The gas insulation segment accounted for 74% of the smart ring main unit market share in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 3 billion by 2032, owing to its compact system design, strong dielectric strength, and reliable operational safety. This technology is projected to maintain its dominant market position throughout the forecast period, driven by the advancement of smart control technologies. It benefits from limited competition from its primary counterparts, namely air and oil insulation methods. The efficacy of gas insulation lies in its ability to provide efficient electrical insulation while occupying minimal space.
 

Moreover, its high dielectric strength ensures effective isolation of electrical components, contributing to system reliability. This technology's sustained prominence is attributed to its compatibility with evolving smart control advancements, cementing its role in modern electrical infrastructure.
 

The smart ring main unit market from 2-3-4 position segment held over USD 800 million in 2022 and is set to expand at a CAGR of 8.1% through 2032. The rapid expansion of commercial ventures and the increasing number of residential developments in developing countries are set to bolster the market share of 2-3-4 position Ring Main Units (RMUs). As grid-connected and independent micro-grid networks gain momentum to ensure the reliability of electricity distribution, these trends are poised to have a positive impact on the industry landscape.
 

Moreover, ongoing efforts to enhance electrification, coupled with moderate peak load requirements in rural areas, present substantial opportunities for growth in the 2-3-4 position RMU segment. This is particularly relevant as these units are well-suited for catering to the electricity demands of such environments. Their adaptability aligns with the evolving needs of electrification initiatives and the establishment of micro-grids, reinforcing their potential to contribute significantly to electricity distribution networks.
 

The smart ring main unit market from motorized RMUs dominated around USD 1.1 billion in 2022 and is poised to cross USD 2.7 billion by 2032. The electrical sector is undergoing a transformative shift, embracing heightened automation and seamless integration with smart grid systems. In this context, motorized Ring Main Units (RMUs) equipped with remote control functionalities and sophisticated communication capabilities align seamlessly with the contemporary smart grid framework. The integration of automation facilitates rapid identification, isolation, and restoration of power faults, culminating in enhanced efficiency and dependability of the grid network.
 

In the selection process of electrical equipment, safety and reliability persist as pivotal considerations. Motorized RMUs, boasting compliance with or surpassing industry safety benchmarks, and displaying robust performance across diverse operational scenarios, are poised to capture smart ring main unit market preference. Their capacity to satisfy stringent safety protocols and deliver consistent performance elevates their standing, positioning them as optimal choices within the evolving landscape of electrical equipment.
 

Smart ring main unit are installed as per two installations, namely, indoor and outdoor. Anticipated robust expansion is foreseen in indoor installations due to ongoing research and development efforts aimed at creating intelligent and space-efficient control apparatus, coupled with escalating spatial limitations. Uninterrupted investments in a diverse array of settings, ranging from residential to commercial domains encompassing public and private apartments, office complexes, and dining establishments, are poised to synergistically bolster the requisition of these products.
 

The confluence of ease-of-operation attributes and augmented safety provisions embedded within the equipment will serve as an additional catalyst for the surge in technological demand. As a result of these multifaceted driving factors, the indoor installation sector is poised to experience significant growth, both in terms of technology adoption and smart ring main unit market expansion. This growth trajectory is underscored by the dual dynamics of advancing control technologies and evolving spatial constraints, converging to underscore the importance of sophisticated indoor installations across various sectors.
 

The smart ring main units are utilized across various applications including distribution utilities, industries, infrastructure, transportation and others. In the current landscape of competition, distribution utilities wield a formidable market presence. This prominence can be attributed to their steadfast engagement in utility-driven ventures that cater to the surging demands for electricity, both in urban and rural areas. The prevailing trajectory of utility-based establishments bolsters their substantial market share.
 

Moreover, the smart ring main unit market horizon is set to be positively influenced by governmental endeavors that align with the principles of deregulation and the effective management of demand and supply networks. These favorable initiatives, conceived by governments, hold the potential to accentuate the distribution utilities sector, providing an added impetus to its growth trajectory. The confluence of utility-driven expansion strategies and strategic governmental interventions is poised to shape the industry's trajectory, positioning distribution utilities as pivotal stakeholders capable of addressing the escalating requirements of diverse electricity consumers across urban and rural landscapes.

Asia Pacific smart ring main unit market is slated to observe more than 8.2% CAGR till 2032, primarily due to escalating demands for consistent and uninterrupted electricity supply, coupled with concerted efforts towards electrification in remote regions. Leading this regional expansion are emerging economies such as China and India, driven by substantial investments in augmenting and modernizing power capacities and electrical infrastructure. The shifting dynamics of power consumption patterns within households and businesses will be instrumental in propelling the sector's advancement.
 

Heightened concerns surrounding grid reliability and safety have notably amplified the call for RMUs. In 2016, the Government of India introduced the "One Nation-One Grid-One Price" initiative, aimed at harmonizing national and state grids to establish a unified tariff structure. Additionally, the pursuit of intelligent grid frameworks, tailored to address power needs in distant locales, will further contribute to reshaping the commercial landscape of the sector.
 

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Share

Major companies operating in the smart ring main unit market include

• ABB
• Eaton
• Schneider Electric
• CG Power & Industrial Solutions Ltd.
• Siemens
• Lucy Group Ltd.
• LS ELECTRIC Co. Ltd.
• TIEPCO
• HD HYUNDAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
• Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation
• alfanar Group
• CHINT Group
• Electric & Electronic Co. Ltd.
• Bonomi Eugenio SpA
• Orecco
   

Smart Ring Main Unit Industry News:

• In April 2023, ABB announced its expansion plans in the U.S. with a substantial investment of approximately USD 170 million. As part of this commitment, ABB has begun the construction of cutting-edge services facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin. In addition, through these initiatives, ABB is strengthening its position in the U.S. market and contributing to the electrification & automation sector growth. This investment will focus on strengthening ABB's manufacturing, innovation, and distribution operations, which will lead to the creation of numerous high-skilled jobs.
   
• In May 2022, Enel Global Infrastructure & Networks partnered with ABB to implement environmental-friendly solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring reliable power supply in Italy & Spain. ABB’s SF6-free Ring Main Units (RMUs) have been specifically designed to meet Enel’s requirements and contribute to the development of sustainable power grids. ABB’s low-pressure 24kV solution, known as SafePlus AirPlus Medium Voltage (MV) RMU, offers comparable safety, reliability, and physical footprint to traditional SF6 solutions. This pilot installation will involve the deployment of 20 new SafePlus AirPlus RMUs across Enel’s secondary substations in Italy & Spain, thus minimizing their global warming potential and enhancing the safety of switchgear operations.
   

This smart ring main unit market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of ‘000 Units and USD Million from 2019 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Insulation

• Gas Insulated
• Air Insulated
• Oil Insulated
• Solid Di-Electric
• Others

Market, By Position

• 2-3-4 Position
• 5-6 Position
• 7-10 Position
• Others

Market, By Installation

• Indoor
• Outdoor

Market, By Component

• Switch & Fuses
• Self-Powered Electronic Relay
  • Communicable
    • Conventional CT/VT Sensors
    • Low Power CT/VT Sensors
  • Non-Communicable
• Automations RTU’s
• UPS
• Fault Passage Indictors/ Short Circuit Indicators
  • Communicable
    • Conventional CT/VT Sensors
    • Conventional CT/VT Sensors
  • Non-Communicable
• VDIS

Market, By Technology

• Motorized RMU
• Non – Motorized RMU

Market, By Application

• Distribution Utilities
  • Motorized RMU
  • Non – Motorized RMU
• Industries
• Infrastructure
  • Motorized RMU
  • Non – Motorized RMU
• Transportation
• Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • France
  • Sweden
  • Greece
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Qatar
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Argentina