The Smart Maintenance Technology (SMT) solutions market for power transmission and distribution (T&D) is in its formative stages as power grid operators appreciate the benefits of asset management technology and improved maintenance practices for grid reliability, claims ARC Advisory Group.
According to a new ARC Advisory Group study, the market is poised for strong growth in coming years as a number of factors converge to drive adoption of SMT solutions, including increased demand for electricity, the proliferation of the Smart Grid, and the aging of both the power infrastructure and utility workforce.
The huge investments pouring into the electric grid infrastructure provide an economical opportunity for power grid owner/operators to include an asset condition monitoring infrastructure from the onset of these projects, says ARC.
According to ARC, this will fundamentally change the way that grid assets are managed and maintained.
“With smarter electric grids, operators will be able to take a more proactive role to ensure the seamless flow of power. Smart maintenance technology solutions will enable operators to identify problems quickly, preventing equipment failures and subsequent power outages,” said ARC analyst Allen Avery, the principal author of ARC’s ‘Smart Maintenance Technology Solutions for Power T&D Worldwide Outlook’.