Huawei introduced a groundbreaking feature for its Intelligent Distribution System (IDS) during the 28th Conference and Exhibition on Electricity Distribution (CIRED 2025) held recently in Geneva, Switzerland. This innovative feature increases the effectiveness and dependability of international networks of electric power distribution. It addresses the increased risks created by climate change and our ageing infrastructure.
During the event, Huawei sponsored an IDS Rump Session together with Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). That’s where industry experts really took center stage during the session. They provided a wealth of professional knowledge and first-hand experience regarding the ongoing digital transformation taking place across distribution networks. This program is an example of Huawei’s customer-centric approach to enabling utilities to thrive in the digital, hyper-connected age with intelligent electricity distribution.
Addressing Challenges in Power Distribution
Global energy distribution networks are rapidly becoming unstable under a number of challenges that are straining their delivery. Hurricane after hurricane, flood after flood, millions of Americans have been kicked out of their homes, jobs and lives from increasingly severe natural disasters. In addition, extreme weather events can result in power outages that leave communities without access to electricity for extended periods.
A recent, dramatic incident on April 28 underscored these vulnerabilities when such a sudden and coordinated loss of power swept across the entire Iberian Peninsula. The Granada substation experienced an unexpected loss of generation across their system. Consequently, massive blackouts struck Spain, Portugal and southern France. Such events attest to the urgent need for greater resiliency across our infrastructure, and the integration of more advanced technologies in our energy sector.
Added to these challenges is the issue of ageing infrastructure. A large percentage of our power distribution systems are based on outdated and even antiquated technology that’s insufficient to meet today’s needs. This failure of grid resilience means more than just inefficient service – it brings severe public safety and economic consequences as well.
Innovations in Intelligent Distribution Systems
Huawei’s new IDS feature uses advanced intelligent sensing technology to raise the intelligence level of distribution network management and control. Combining the power of big data with real-time sensor monitoring, it is allowing utility companies to respond quickly and efficiently to interruptions. This proactive approach can help save extreme measures and downtime and help improve the overall performance of our nation’s grid.
Building upon this roundtable, a high-level discussion at the IDS Rump Session dove into best practices for deploying these cutting-edge solutions in collaboration with Huawei. Their collaboration has been focused on improving the ability of energy sector stakeholders to share knowledge and develop practical experience. Through collaborative efforts, these stakeholders can identify localized strategies needed to meet unique regional needs and enhance grid resilience.
Huawei’s new direction toward intelligent transformation underscores the company’s commitment to helping utilities move towards a smarter, more adaptive energy landscape. By investing in cutting-edge technologies, firms can improve their operational excellence and in turn optimize power delivery to consumers.
A Commitment to Future Resilience
As we face a rapidly changing climate and reimagined urban landscapes, our power distribution networks need to transform in parallel. Huawei’s contributions at CIRED 2025 are a part of their larger efforts to improve the industries’ critical systems resilience. The firm has taken creative and forward-looking approaches to address today’s challenges. While doing so, they’re creating the groundwork for a future energy ecosystem defined by sustainable energy solutions.
As world energy demand keeps growing, guaranteeing an integrated and dependable power network is essential. Intelligent technologies are going to be key for utilities to provide electrical services in a cost-effective manner. In doing so, they will simultaneously make their streets safer. Huawei wants to help utilities around the world by solving problems such as poor grid resilience and aging infrastructure. If we face those challenges together, we have nothing to fear.