Huawei publishes a global report on the digitalization index and smart solutions for the energy sector

During the Huawei Global Electric Power Summit at HUAWEI CONNECT 2025 in Shanghai, the company presented a report focused on the digitalization index and smart solutions for the energy sector. The document is designed to provide tools for quantitatively assessing digital maturity and offer strategic guidance for building future power systems. Its target audience includes energy companies worldwide, which are simultaneously increasing the share of renewables and automating their grids.

Stability starts at low voltage

In his opening speech, Jo Cops, Chairman of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), emphasized that with the widespread adoption of photovoltaics, electric vehicle charging stations, and microgrids, it is crucial to monitor low-voltage network operations in real time. Today, this is where generation and load fluctuations accumulate—and where the best operational visibility is needed.

AI evolves from an add-on to a survival requirement

David Sun, CEO of Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU, noted that digital and intelligent support is essential to manage the uncertainties of future energy systems. Artificial intelligence has progressed from being an “efficiency tool” to a “condition for survival”, supporting forecasting, balancing, resource scheduling, and operational safety.

Target architecture: resilient grid and layered synergy

The report is based on communication principles: “intelligent and resilient main grid, medium-voltage integration, low-voltage transparency, high speed and security, and integration of satellite and terrestrial systems.” On top of these, a multi-layered technical system was built: “scenario applications + cloud–grid–edge–device synergy.” The goal is to cover the entire value chain—from generation, through transmission and distribution, to consumption—with unified analytics and automation.

At the summit, Huawei and State Grid Shaanxi showcased the “2025 Global Electric Power Showcase.” Thanks to joint innovations and extensive field verification in Shaanxi Province, the companies achieved transparency in areas with 400 V low-voltage transformers. The result is real-time information access, centralized management and regulation, and fast response in managing distributed renewable energy resources at the low-voltage level.

Voices from Africa and Central Europe

Practitioners also shared their challenges and experiences: Charles Tlouane, COO of South Africa’s City Power, and Simon Dezsö, Deputy CEO of Hungary’s transmission system operator MAVIR. A common theme in their presentations was the need for better visibility of resources, edge decision automation, and enhanced cybersecurity resilience.

Direction: intelligent generation and sustainability

According to the report’s authors, the digitalization index helps structure discussions around investment priorities. With measurable criteria, operators can compare progress across domains—from data quality to algorithm maturity—and better plan the path toward resilient, flexible, and secure grids. The report thus serves as both a diagnosis of the current state and a practical roadmap.

Huawei announced the continuation of implementing intelligent technology solutions in key electricity generation scenarios, aiming to support companies on the path toward a smarter and more sustainable future—one in which data and algorithms become a shared language across all elements of the energy system.

Source: PAP