Smart Ring Main Unit Market

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Size

The global smart ring main unit market size was estimated at USD 2.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 2.4 billion in 2025 to USD 4.9 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 8.3%.

• The trend towards upgrading urban distribution grids in the U.S. is fueling demand for intelligent RMUs. The 2024 DOE Smart Grid System Report documents exponential growth in grid-edge devices and the necessity for switchgear solutions that are interoperable. Intelligent RMUs with remote monitoring and fault isolation play a critical role in improving grid reliability and flexibility, particularly where urban areas have high population density and outdated infrastructure.
  
• Europe's ambitious renewable energy goals require sophisticated switchgear such as smart RMUs. The European Commission's 2023 energy transition roadmap prioritizes decentralized grid control and automation. Smart RMUs facilitate this through the ability to sectionalize and manage loads in distributed generation networks. Automation and compact design enable them to be used for feeding solar and wind energy into medium-voltage grids in EU member states.
  
• Increased adoption of DERs in North America is a major growth driver. In the DOE's 2024 Smart Grid System Report, DER deployment is predicted to increase by 262 GW between 2023 and 2027. Smart RMUs enable DER integration through the provision of real-time switching, fault detection, and load balancing. Its function to manage bidirectional power flows makes it a must-have for next-generation distribution networks.
  
• Growth in urbanization and industry in Asia-Pacific, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, is driving demand for intelligent RMUs. Governments are making investments in space-saving, automated switchgear to accommodate growing medium-voltage networks. Smart grid plans for Japan in 2024 involve investment in intelligent distribution systems, for which RMUs are an important element, providing reliability and safety in highly populated urban areas.
  
• Intelligent RMUs provide long-term economic benefits through lower maintenance costs and quicker fault restoration. The EIA's 2024 report on utility-scale power technology emphasizes the significance of performance characteristics in grid investment. RMUs with SCADA integration and self-healing capabilities lower maintenance and downtime costs, appealing to utilities seeking effective asset management.
  
• EU policies are increasingly supporting robust and smart grid infrastructure. The European Green Deal and related financing arrangements are encouraging smart grid equipment, such as RMUs, to improve fault tolerance and minimize outage times. These policies encourage utilities to invest in smart RMUs because of their potential to isolate faults and recover rapidly, which is compatible with EU resilience targets.
  
• Smart city developments across the world are integrating smart RMUs into their infrastructure. These devices favor underground and space-saving installations, which are suitable for urban areas. In 2023, the U.S. EIA highlighted the importance of advanced switchgear in backing smart city power networks. RMUs facilitate remote control and real-time diagnostics, which are essential in controlling intricate urban grids with limited human interference.
  

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Trends

• Rural electrification trend is propelling smart RMU installation in remote regions. In 2021, India's Ministry of Power introduced the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to upgrade distribution systems and enhance dependability. Smart RMUs are being deployed to enable automated fault isolation and distant monitoring in rural areas, improving service continuity and minimizing manual intervention in the remote regions.
  
• Smart RMUs are gaining traction as part of Europe’s push for digital energy systems. The European Commission Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan (2022) encourages smart grid equipment for real-time operation and fault management. IoT and SCADA-integrated RMUs are being installed in all EU member states to facilitate decentralized energy systems and enhance grid resilience.
  
• Accelerating the development of smart RMUs in South Korea is its energy transition. In the 9th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand (2022–2036), there is expanded deployment of renewable energy and an expansion of the smart grid. RMUs are also incorporated into solar farms and wind farms for controlling bidirectional flows and secure medium-voltage distribution, enabling carbon neutrality in the country.
  
• The U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, initiated in 2023, invested USD 3.5 billion towards upgrading grid infrastructure. Smart RMUs are included in funded projects to improve fault detection, remote diagnostics, and automation in medium-voltage grids, particularly in areas exposed to climate-imposed disruptions.
  
• Smart RMUs are being deployed in urban substations as part of the UAE’s smart city initiatives. Under Smart Dubai, DEWA has integrated intelligent switchgear into its grid to support automated fault isolation and remote control. These RMUs enhance operational efficiency and align with Dubai’s digital transformation and sustainability goals.
  
• The National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) in Brazil launched initiatives in 2022 to automate distribution systems. Smart RMUs are being implemented to enhance fault handling and minimize outage times in cities and semi-cities. These improvements aid Brazil's overall energy modernization and reliability goals.
  
• With increasing connectivity of smart RMUs, cybersecurity is an increasingly prominent consideration. In 2023, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) released a report highlighting secure design for smart grid equipment. Encryption and secure communication protocols are now being integrated into RMUs to shield grid operations and data from cyberattacks.
  
• The AfDB's Desert to Power program promotes the expansion of solar grids throughout the Sahel. Intelligent RMUs are being used to control medium-voltage distribution within solar-powered microgrids, providing reliable and safe delivery of electricity to remote areas. This is a sign of increased investment in decentralized, reliable infrastructure.
  

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Analysis

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• Based on insulation, the industry is segmented into gas, air, oil, solid-di-electric and other insulations. The gas insulation segment dominated the market accounting for over 73% share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2034.
  
• Gas-insulated RMUs are widely used for their compactness and reliability, but environmental regulations are reshaping the smart ring main unit market. The European Commission’s phased reduction of SF₆ under the F-Gas Regulation (2024 update) is pushing manufacturers toward eco-friendly alternatives like fluoronitrile blends. This shift is driving innovation in gas-insulated RMUs that maintain performance while reducing global warming potential.
  
• Gas-insulated RMUs are favored in dense urban environments due to their compact footprint and sealed design. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has promoted underground substations in Tokyo since 2023, where gas-insulated RMUs are deployed to optimize space and ensure safety. Their minimal maintenance and high reliability make them ideal for metropolitan grid upgrades.
  
• Air-insulated RMUs are anticipated to reach a market value of USD 339 million by 2034, as utilities seek sustainable and low-cost alternatives. In 2022, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supported pilot projects using air-insulated switchgear in municipal grids to reduce SF₆ dependency. These RMUs offer environmental benefits and are easier to maintain, making them suitable for public infrastructure.
  
• Air-insulated RMUs are increasingly used in solar and wind parks due to their simplicity and resilience. South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) reported in 2023 that air-insulated RMUs were deployed in several REIPPPP-funded solar farms to support medium-voltage distribution. Their robust design and low operational cost make them ideal for renewable integration.
  
• The oil-insulated RMUs are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2025 and 2034 and are preferred in regions with extreme climates due to their thermal stability and insulation reliability. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s National Grid modernization program included oil-insulated RMUs for substations in desert zones, where temperature fluctuations challenge other insulation types. Their proven performance in high-stress environments supports their continued use in critical infrastructure.
  
• Oil-insulated RMUs remain vital in legacy grid systems undergoing phased upgrades. In 2022, Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy deployed oil-insulated RMUs in older substations to maintain compatibility while improving fault isolation. Their integration into existing networks ensures continuity and cost-effective modernization.
  
• Solid dielectric RMUs are gaining traction as utilities seek SF₆-free alternatives. In 2024, the California Energy Commission supported pilot installations of solid dielectric RMUs in municipal grids to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These RMUs offer high reliability without environmental risks, aligning with state sustainability goals.
  
• Solid dielectric RMUs are favored in densely populated areas due to their non-toxic, sealed design. In 2023, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority approved their use in underground substations to enhance safety and reduce maintenance. Their compact form and fire-resistant properties make them ideal for urban infrastructure.
  
• Hybrid RMUs combine insulation types to balance performance and cost. In 2025, Germany’s Federal Network Agency endorsed hybrid RMUs for mixed-use grids in industrial parks, where varying load conditions require adaptable solutions. These RMUs offer modularity and resilience, supporting dynamic grid operations.
  
• Hybrid RMUs serve as transitional solutions during the phase-out of SF₆. In 2023, the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero funded hybrid RMU trials in distribution networks to maintain reliability while reducing emissions. Their dual-insulation approach supports gradual infrastructure upgrades.
  

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• Based on technology, the industry is segmented into motorized and non-motorized RMUs. Motorized technology holds a market share of 61% in 2024 and is anticipated to reach over USD 3.2 billion by 2034.
  
• Motorized ring main units are increasingly favored in modern grid systems due to their remote operability and integration with SCADA and IoT platforms. These units enable utilities to perform fault isolation, load switching, and diagnostics without physical intervention, which is critical for smart cities, renewable energy parks, and industrial zones. Their ability to support predictive maintenance and real-time control makes them essential for utilities aiming to enhance grid responsiveness and reduce operational downtime.
  
• A key growth driver for motorized RMUs is the global push toward smart distribution networks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Modernization Initiative, utilities are investing in intelligent switchgear to improve grid flexibility and resilience. Motorized RMUs, with automation-ready features, are central to these upgrades, especially in regions implementing advanced metering and digital control systems1.
  
• Non-motorized RMUs continue to play a vital role in cost-sensitive and rural applications. Their simpler design and manual operation make them ideal for basic fault protection and sectionalizing in areas where automation is not a priority. Utilities in developing regions often deploy non-motorized RMUs to expand medium-voltage networks affordably, ensuring reliable power distribution with minimal maintenance requirements.
  
• The shift toward sustainable infrastructure is also supporting non-motorized RMU adoption. These units offer a lower carbon footprint and are easier to recycle or refurbish. In regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, where electrification programs prioritize affordability and environmental impact, non-motorized RMUs are being deployed in solar microgrids and rural substations to balance performance with sustainability.
  
• Based on installation, the smart ring main unit market is segmented into indoor installations and outdoor installations. The industry sees a substantial investment across the indoor installations, with market value reaching USD 1.3 billion in 2024 and projected to grow steadily in the coming years. However, technological advancements in the RMUs to withstand harsh climatic conditions have propelled the outdoor installations, thus boosting the market at a CAGR of 7.8 % through 2034.
  
• Indoor RMU installations are increasingly preferred in urban and commercial environments due to space constraints and safety requirements. These RMUs are compact, sealed, and designed for integration within buildings, substations, and underground facilities. Their low maintenance and reduced exposure to environmental stress make them ideal for smart city infrastructure. Utilities favor indoor RMUs for their compatibility with SCADA systems and ease of access, especially in densely populated zones where above-ground installations are impractical.
  
• The growth of underground substations and metro electrification projects is further driving indoor RMU adoption. For instance, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has promoted indoor RMUs in underground substations to enhance safety and reduce land use in urban planning. Their fire-resistant, sealed design ensures operational reliability in enclosed environments, supporting the city’s compact and resilient energy infrastructure.
  
• Outdoor RMU installations are vital for rural, industrial, and renewable energy applications where environmental exposure is unavoidable. These RMUs are built to withstand harsh conditions including dust, moisture, and temperature extremes. Their robust enclosures and weatherproofing make them suitable for solar farms, wind parks, and roadside substations. Utilities deploy outdoor RMUs to extend medium-voltage networks to remote areas, ensuring reliable distribution with minimal infrastructure.
  
• The expansion of renewable energy in Africa and Southeast Asia is accelerating outdoor RMU deployment. Under South Africa’s REIPPPP program, outdoor RMUs have been installed in solar parks to manage medium-voltage distribution efficiently. Their durability and ease of installation in open terrains make them essential for decentralized energy systems and rural electrification.
  

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• The U.S. smart ring main unit market was valued at USD 301.1 million, USD 331.5 million and USD 363.9 million in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. The nation held a share of 68.7% in 2024 across North American market and is projected to witness a noteworthy growth in the coming years.
  
• The U.S. smart RMU market is driven by federal investments in grid modernization. The Grid Modernization Initiative and GRIP program by the Department of Energy have spent billions on upgrading distribution infrastructure. Smart RMUs form the core of these initiatives, providing remote operability, fault isolation, and SCADA integration. Their installation improves climate resilience and facilitates automation in medium-voltage grids, particularly in urban and industrial areas.
  
• The expanding electrification of transportation and industry is driving the need for compact, intelligent switchgear. Smart RMUs are suited for medium-voltage distribution management in EV charging stations, manufacturing facilities, and logistics parks. Their modularity and real-time monitoring help with load balancing and fault management. With the U.S. moving forward with its clean energy and electrification ambitions, smart RMUs are fast becoming integral parts of next-generation distribution networks.
  
• China's speedy urbanization is leading the installation of smart RMUs in underground substations. Such installations enable high-density power distribution with little land utilization, fulfilling national urban planning requirements. RMUs provide compact, hermetically sealed units applicable in metro grids and business areas. Their use with automation systems guarantees reliable performance and fault isolation, making them indispensable for China's smart city infrastructure.
  
• The 14th Five-Year Plan in China focuses on grid modernization and the expansion of renewable energy. Smart RMUs are being installed in solar and wind farms to handle bidirectional flows and provide fault resilience. Their application in medium-voltage distribution facilitates decentralized energy source integration. As China shifts towards a low-carbon economy at an increased pace, RMUs play a critical role in preserving grid stability and efficiency in areas with high levels of renewables.
  
• Germany's RMU market is influenced by environmental policies, specifically the European F-Gas Regulation, which requires phasing out SF₆-based switchgear. Utilities are implementing solid dielectric and hybrid RMUs that provide automation as well as environmental compatibility. These substitutes minimize greenhouse gas emissions without compromising insulation performance, in line with Germany's climate targets and green infrastructure development.
  
• Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action promotes digital infrastructure upgrades in municipal and industrial areas. Smart RMUs are incorporated into SCADA systems for fault detection, remote control, and predictive maintenance. Their installation increases the grid flexibility, minimizes downtime, and assists the energy transition plan of the country. RMUs are being used more and more in urban substations and renewable energy parks to provide reliable and smart distribution.
  
• The Middle East is heavily investing in smart cities and infrastructure upgrade. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are installing smart RMUs in buried substations to enable automated fault isolation and remote monitoring. These devices provide reliability under high-temperature conditions and small footprints to accommodate tight urban deployment. Their use in smart grids supports national digital transformation and energy efficiency visions.
  
• Growing solar and wind capacity in the region has triggered RMU deployment in renewable parks. Smart RMUs handle medium-voltage distribution in decentralized systems and ensure grid stability. Their sealed, weather-resistant design makes it a great choice for desert installations. As the Middle East expands its clean energy portfolio, RMUs will play a very crucial role while integrating renewables into national grids while maintaining their reliability.
  
• Latin American nations are replacing aging grid infrastructure with newer infrastructure to enhance reliability and lower outages. Smart RMUs are being used to replace old switchgear in urban and semi-urban networks, providing modularity, fault indication, and automation. Their installation aids effective load management and strengthens service continuity. Governments are giving top priority to smart grid elements for fulfilling growing electricity demand and increasing operating efficiency.
  
• Rural electrification initiatives in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are driving the growth of RMUs in decentralized energy systems. Intelligent RMUs are used in solar microgrids to control medium-voltage distribution cost-effectively. Their fault isolation and low maintenance features suit remote installations. Such initiatives promote sustainable development and access to energy in remote areas in accordance with national agendas for inclusive infrastructure growth.
  

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Share

• The top 5 companies in the smart ring main unit industry are ABB, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Eaton, and Lucy Electric, collectively contributing around 45% of the market in 2024.
  
• ABB holds a leading position in the smart RMU market due to its global presence, advanced automation technologies, and strong partnerships with utilities. Its RMUs are widely adopted for their compact design, SCADA compatibility, and reliability in harsh environments. ABB’s focus on digital grid solutions and SF₆-free innovations aligns with global regulatory trends, especially in Europe and North America. These strengths enable ABB to serve diverse applications, from smart cities to renewable energy parks.
  
• ABB’s RMU portfolio includes gas-insulated, solid dielectric, and hybrid units tailored for both indoor and outdoor installations. The company’s emphasis on modularity and remote operability supports utilities transitioning to smart grids. ABB’s investments in R&D and its ability to deliver turnkey solutions have helped it maintain leadership in regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Its RMUs are also favored in underground substations and metro electrification projects, reinforcing their dominance in compact switchgear solutions.
  
• Schneider Electric commands a substantial share of the smart ring main unit market through its eco-efficient, modular, and smart-ready switchgear offerings. Its RMUs are widely used in smart city developments, industrial zones, and renewable energy installations. Schneider’s leadership in SF₆-free technologies and digital energy platforms positions it as a preferred partner for utilities seeking sustainable and automated distribution solutions. Its strong presence in Europe and emerging markets further strengthens its competitive edge.
  
• Schneider’s RMUs are designed for seamless integration with IoT and SCADA systems, enabling real-time monitoring and fault management. The company’s focus on operational safety, compact design, and energy efficiency aligns with global infrastructure trends. Schneider’s strategic collaborations with governments and energy providers have expanded its footprint in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Its ability to deliver scalable solutions for both urban and rural electrification projects ensures continued growth in the RMU segment.
  

Smart Ring Main Unit Market Companies

Major players operating in the smart ring main unit industry are:

• ABB
• alfanar
• Bonomi Eugenio
• CG Power
• CHINT
• C-Sec
• Eaton
• Electric & Electronic
• Eswari Electricals
• HD HYUNDAI ELECTRIC
• Holley Technology
• LS ELECTRIC
• Lucy Group
• Orecco
• Rockwill
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens
• TIEPCO
• Toshiba Energy
• Zhejiang Volcano
  
• ABB reported revenues of approximately USD 33 billion in 2024. Its smart RMU offerings include SafeRing and SafePlus, known for modularity, compactness, and digital automation. These units support remote monitoring and are widely used in smart grid applications. ABB’s innovation in SF₆-free insulation and eco-efficient designs strengthens its leadership in the smart ring main unit market, especially in Europe and Asia.
  
• Schneider Electric posted 2024 revenues of around USD 43 billion. Its RMU portfolio includes RM6 and Ringmaster, which are smart-grid ready and support IoT-based monitoring. Schneider is a major player in energy automation, and its RMUs are widely adopted in utilities and infrastructure projects. The company’s focus on sustainability and digital energy management ensures a strong position in the global smart ring main unit market.
  
• Siemens AG earned over USD 84 billion in 2024. Its RMU products, such as 8DJH and F-gas-free RMUs, are designed for smart grid integration and environmental compliance. Siemens is a pioneer in digital substations and automation, and its RMUs are used in urban, industrial, and renewable energy applications. Its global reach and innovation in SF₆ alternatives give it a competitive edge.
  
• Eaton Corporation reported 2024 revenues of approximately USD 24 billion. Its smart RMU solutions include Xiria and RVAC, which are compact, modular, and support automation. Eaton emphasizes safety, environmental sustainability, and digital control in its RMUs. With growing adoption in Asia and the Middle East, Eaton is expanding its influence in the smart RMU segment.
  
• Lucy Group, through Lucy Electric, is a key player in secondary power distribution. While privately held and smaller in scale, Lucy Electric is well-regarded for its smart RMUs like Aegis and Gemini, which offer remote monitoring and automation. The company holds a strong niche in emerging markets and utilities, with a focus on compact, eco-friendly, and digitally enabled RMUs.
  

Smart Ring Main Unit Market News

• In May 2024, Siemens India disclosed its intention to invest USD 62 Million in the expansion of its gas-insulated switchgear factory in Goa and metro train manufacturing facility in Aurangabad. The investment aims to boost the capacity of the switchgear factory by approximately 23%, facilitating the production of 22,000 feeders and 1,500 panels for its Ring Main Unit and medium-voltage gas insulated switchgear manufacturing unit, respectively, with an allocated sum of USD 40 Million.
  
• In April 2024, Lucy Electric introduced the UK's inaugural ring main unit (RMU) for medium voltage networks utilizing synthetic air instead of SF6 gas, in anticipation of impending bans on SF6 usage in switchgear. EcoTec, designed and developed domestically, aligns with upcoming EU F-Gas regulations and potential UK legislation changes, offering network operators a sustainable solution ahead of regulatory enforcement. This innovative switchgear maintains compatibility with existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless integration, and reducing emissions during replacements.
  
• In May 2022, Enel Global Infrastructure & Networks collaborated with ABB to introduce environmentally friendly solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring dependable power supply across Spain and Italy. SF6-free Ring Main Units, such as the low-pressure 24kV SafePlus AirPlus Medium Voltage RMU, have been custom-designed to align with Enel's sustainability objectives while upholding safety and reliability standards. This joint effort entails the installation of 20 new SafePlus AirPlus RMUs across Enel's secondary substations, thereby curbing their environmental footprint and bolstering the safety of switchgear operations.
  
• In May 2022, Schneider Electric unveiled GM AirSeT, a medium-voltage switchgear. This groundbreaking technology provides eco-friendly and digital solutions for primary Gas-insulated Switchgear (GIS) in electrical networks, ideal for challenging environments in industrial buildings and critical infrastructure. This strategic launch underscores the company's dedication to delivering a robust portfolio of sustainable and innovative solutions, bolstering its competitive edge in the medium-voltage switchgear market.
  

The smart ring main unit market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (000 Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Insulation

• Gas
• Air
• Oil
• Solid Di-Electric
• Others

Market, By Position

• 2-3-4 Position
• 5-6 Position
• 7-10 Position
• Others

Market, By Installation

• Indoor
• Outdoor

Market, By Component

• Switch & Fuses
• Self-Powered Electronic Relay
  • Communicable
    • Conventional CT/VT Sensors
    • Low Power CT/VT Sensors
  • Non-Communicable
• Automations RTU’s
• UPS
• Fault Passage Indictors/ Short Circuit Indicators
  • Communicable
    • Conventional CT/VT Sensors
    • Conventional CT/VT Sensors
  • Non-Communicable
• VDIS

Market, By Technology

• Motorized RMU
• Non – Motorized RMU

Market, By Application

• Distribution Utilities
  • Motorized RMU
  • Non – Motorized RMU
• Industries
• Infrastructure
  • Motorized RMU
  • Non – Motorized RMU
• Transportation
• Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • France
  • Sweden
  • Greece
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Qatar
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina