Trend Technology 1: every building, vehicle and device becomes a two-way grid node
Summary
The report's first selected technology turns end-use assets into storage and balancing resources: buildings, vehicles and devices can hold power, return it and help match supply with demand in real time, converting the grid from a one-way delivery system into a coordinated network of nodes.
Classification
Main topicEnergy & Climate Tech
Region menusGlobal
Impactscope:global
Time horizon4-10 years (2026-07-26)
Last updated2026-07-29 04:49:52
Evidence 2
- Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2026 World Economic Forum (in collaboration with Frontiers) page=6;section=1 Everything-to-grid energy 2026-06 accessed 2026-07-26
- Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2026 World Economic Forum (in collaboration with Frontiers) page=6;section=1 Everything-to-grid energy 2026-06 accessed 2026-07-26
Observed signals 2
Part of issues 4
- IssueLeft to default, benefits concentrate where capacity already exists3 trends · 0 signals
- IssueTechnology decisions move to municipal, hospital and regional actors3 trends · 1 signals
- IssueTrust is a precondition, not a soft variable, because the arrangements have no precedent3 trends · 1 signals
- IssueWho captures the value of distributed flexibility, and at what cyber risk, is unsettled1 trends · 0 signals
Relation types: constitutes · supports
Public id: fm-be675ae2ea41