Four key trends that will shape the electricity sector in 2026

The energy transition, the rise of digitalization, and the increase in renewable energy projects will mark a turning point for the electricity sector in 2026. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity consumption will grow by about 4–10% annually through 2027, driven by data centers, electromobility, increased industrialization, and the electrification of energy-intensive sectors.

In Peru, this scenario is combined with an ambitious deployment of energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) has 118 rural electrification projects in its portfolio to be executed by 2026 with an investment exceeding S/ 2,382 million. Concurrently, and according to the Peruvian Association of Renewable Energies (SPR), it is expected that by 2026, an additional 1,773 MW from solar energy will be incorporated, accumulating 2,250 MW installed, which is four times the current capacity.

This dynamism presents a significant technical challenge: ensuring that electricity grids can integrate larger volumes of energy, manage distributed resources, and maintain service continuity in increasingly demanding environments.

“The sustained growth of global demand and the accelerated integration of renewable energies oblige us to be one step ahead. In Peru, we see a rapidly evolving market that needs more robust, secure, and flexible grids to guarantee the supply of the future.”, noted Ana Beatriz Bautista, national sales manager for Prysmian Peru.

Trends for a more resilient network

To face these challenges, advanced solutions for cables, connectors, and monitoring technologies that allow for optimizing installed capacity, reducing losses, and improving the performance of low, medium, and high-voltage networks become indispensable. Among the main trends are:

Renewable energy cables

Solar and wind growth demands cables with high durability, weather resistance, and increased thermal stability. In this regard, technologies like Prysun allow for safe operation under intense radiation, humidity, abrasion, and extreme conditions, which is key for solar farms in desert areas or high-radiation zones.

Sustainable cables

The industry is moving towards portfolios with lower environmental impact and improved safety features. For example, we find green solutions like Eva Green 90 and Afumex Green for installations with a smaller environmental footprint. The advantage of these alternatives also aligns with the global trend of offering cables with low smoke emissions and halogen-free properties.

Rewiring upgrade

Growing distribution networks require increased capacity without necessarily replacing complete infrastructure. E3X Technology allows for improved conductor efficiency, increased transmission capacity, and reduced energy losses through an advanced coating that optimizes electrical flow or the use of high-temperature cables.

Smart monitoring

Systems such as OPG Watch modernize transmission line monitoring using fiber-optic technology capable of detecting faults, mechanical stresses, vibrations, and environmental conditions in real time. This makes it easier to anticipate events, improves reliability, and reduces response times.