The IEA’s Modernising Grids in the Age of Electricity report, released on 21 September 2026, examines the economic boundary of using existing networks more effectively. It estimates that dynamic ratings, topology optimisation and advanced power-flow control could enable up to 330 GW of additional generation, storage and demand to connect. This is technical potential, not commissioned global capacity or a guarantee. The report also records at least 1,700 GW of advanced-stage renewable projects and 600 GW of utility-scale batteries awaiting connection in 2025.

Haber Paper adds those two queue categories to 2,300 GW. Dividing 330 by 2,300 gives 14.35%. That compares the scale of the estimated potential with the queue; it does not mean 14.35% of waiting projects will certainly connect. Geography, project maturity and network constraints differ. The 330 GW estimate also includes new demand, while the queue sum comprises generation and batteries. This mismatch makes the ratio a size comparison only, rather than an implementation or connection-success rate.

According to the report, connecting the same volume through network expansion would require around USD 100 billion. Dividing USD 100 billion by 330 gives approximately USD 303 million of equivalent expansion investment per GW. This is another comparison, not the price of digital technology, realised savings or a project return. If less technical potential were used, the comparison’s scale would change. An investment decision must compare sensors, software, integration, maintenance and assurance costs with physical reinforcement genuinely deferred. A global estimate cannot substitute for a local investment budget.

The physical mechanisms differ. Dynamic ratings reassess how much equipment can carry under actual weather and thermal conditions. Power-flow control moves electricity toward less-used paths; topology optimisation changes the network configuration. A constraint can nevertheless move from a conductor to a transformer or a voltage-stability limit. Treating increased capability on one line as the whole system’s secure connection capacity would therefore be incorrect. Local assessment must establish prerequisites such as a suitable parallel path and a validated equipment model.

The economic objective is an efficient balance between cost and reliability rather than eliminating every instance of congestion. Oversizing assets for rare hours can impose high fixed costs on users. Persistent bottlenecks can still require physical reinforcement. Evaluating a digital solution should consider connection delays, constrained generation, security after faults and maintenance windows together. Fully adding the benefits of two technologies that access the same headroom can double-count value. Additional power becomes a useful economic service only when it satisfies the complete set of operating limits.

The technology chapter identifies a survey of 25 operators, including 11 transmission and 14 distribution operators. This small sample is not statistically representative of countries or the entire sector, so it cannot establish a national adoption rate for Türkiye or another country. An implementation programme should begin with a measurable constraint and test secure capability, data quality and operating cost in a pilot. The broader conclusion is to plan expansion and better utilisation together. The 330 GW potential is neither a replacement that removes new-line requirements nor an automatic investment saving.