A recent report from Navigant Research examines the opportunity for direct current (DC) distribution networks in four key markets segments, including off and bad grid telecommunications, data centers, commercial building grids, and off-grid military applications, with global market forecasts for capacity and implementation revenue through 2024.

The market for DC distribution networks encompasses several disparate opportunities, including telecommunications towers, data centers, and grid-tied commercial buildings, all of which revolve around different market assumptions, dynamics, and drivers. The industry is currently focused on medium-voltage DC distribution networks—systems that are mostly concentrated on the data center market segment, but which can also apply to commercial buildings. Click to tweet: According to a recent report from Navigant Research, revenue from DC distribution network implementation projects is expected to total $33 billion from 2015 to 2024.

“Debate continues around the advantages and disadvantages of DC for microgrids and nanogrids,” says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “The majority of progress in developing DC-based technologies has occurred at either the high- or low-voltage level; microgrids and building-scale nanogrids typically operate at medium voltage, meaning much work needs to be done to bridge this voltage innovation gap.”

Mobile devices such as cell phones are one of the biggest drivers for DC, according to the report. There are now over 7 billion active mobile phone connections in the world, and unlike DC, typical alternating current (AC)-based phone chargers waste approximately 20%–35% of the energy used.

The report, Direct Current Distribution Networks, analyzes the global market for DC distribution networks in four key segments: off-grid/bad grid telecom, data centers, commercial building grids, and off-grid military applications. The study provides an analysis of the market issues, including opportunities, drivers, and implementation challenges, associated with DC distribution networks. Global market forecasts for capacity and implementation revenue, broken out by segment, region, and scenario, extend through 2024. The report also examines the key technologies related to DC distribution networks, as well as the competitive landscape. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is an independent specialized, global professional services firm that combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise to enable companies to defend, protect and create value. With a focus on industries and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory and legal issues, the Firm serves clients primarily in the healthcare, energy and financial services sectors which represent highly complex market and regulatory environments. Professional service offerings include strategic, financial, operational, technology, risk management, compliance, investigative solutions, dispute resolutions services and business process management services. The Firm provides services to companies, legal counsel and governmental agencies. The business is organized in four reporting segments – Disputes, Investigations & Economics; Financial, Risk & Compliance; Healthcare; and Energy. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Direct Current Distribution Networks, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.

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