Worldwide Shipments of Transmission and Distribution SCADA Devices will Total More than 3 Million from 2012 to 2020, Forecasts Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) devices are key elements of the emerging smart grid. SCADA devices perform a wide range of data collection, sharing, and coordinated control actions that make the electricity system more efficient and reliable. According to a new report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the global market for transmission and substation automation SCADA equipment will grow steadily over the remainder of this decade, with worldwide shipments totaling more than 3 million devices from 2012 to 2020. Outfitting distribution substation and feeder projects are expected to lead this growth, with strong contributions from transmission upgrade projects.

“Previously, solutions were differentiated by the features they provided to utilities. Today, productivity tools, ease of use, and customer service are key. Vendors that provide advanced configuration, coordination, and the ability to implement system-wide changes in a cost-effective and timely manner will succeed in this market.”

“While the digital substation control market has been evolving for 40 years, the market drivers are changing dramatically,” says research director Carol Stimmel. “Previously, solutions were differentiated by the features they provided to utilities. Today, productivity tools, ease of use, and customer service are key. Vendors that provide advanced configuration, coordination, and the ability to implement system-wide changes in a cost-effective and timely manner will succeed in this market.”

Differing philosophies of substation automation design mean that technology and adoption models will likely vary widely across regions. The IEC 61850 protocol is gaining momentum worldwide, but questions remain about its appropriateness for distribution substation automation projects, and some countries with a high focus on distribution-level automation are less likely to adopt the new standard quickly, according to the report. Early signs also suggest that the ongoing debate between centralized and distributed automation for technical loss control may be leaning toward a centralized approach, although a hybrid approach is expected to prevail for a few more years.

The report, “Smart Grid SCADA Systems”, examines the T&D substation SCADA market by number of projects, transmission vs. distribution applications, and by device type. Worldwide and regional forecasts are provided for different device types and communication protocols. Substation servers, data concentrators, gateways, RTUs, IEDs, distributed I/O and poletop/pad mount switch controllers are all discussed, with unit and revenue forecasts through 2020. The market trends for SCADA protocols and the devices that use these protocols for automation at the substation and feeder levels are all discussed in detail. Profiles of key industry players are included, as well. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

About Pike Research

Pike Research, which joined Navigant’s global Energy Practice on July 1, 2012, provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Pike Research can be found at www.navigant.com/pikeresearch.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Smart Grid SCADA Systems,” is a summary and reflects Pike Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Pike Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.