I attended the two biggest energy shows of the year: DISTRIBUTECH 2026, focused on power grids and distribution, and IESNA 2026, centered on battery energy storage systems. At both events, the San Diego Convention Center was packed wall-to-wall—no partitions, no empty corners. It’s a sign that the energy industry is booming. And there was a clear indication of the trends that truly matter and what customers are looking for.
1) AI Necessitates a New Generation of Energy Infrastructure
As we all know, AI and data centers are driving an unprecedented surge in global energy demand, and this is reshaping the energy infrastructure landscape.
Data centers are projected to consume approximately 945 terawatt- hours (TWh) of electricity annually by 2030, doubling their current usage.
Across the trade show floors, the message was clear: deployment speed and reliability are non‑negotiable. Many of the operators I spoke with are under pressure to harden infrastructure, improve uptime, and reduce installation‑related risks, all while preparing their networks to carry significantly higher loads.
This raises a critical question for utilities, integrators, and system designers: how do we support this growth with the level of security and robustness the market demands? One solution is simplifying installation. HARTING’s connector enable much faster deployment compared to more complex methods such as hardwiring, cable glands, or PFT approaches.
Another takeaway was just how essential collaboration has become. Operators, utilities, and policymakers are forming new alliances and incentive structures to accelerate upgrades, streamline interconnections, and prepare for the next wave of high‑capacity systems.
2) The Shift Toward Increased Localization
One trend I’m seeing across the battery storage sector is a strong push toward greater localization. With most energy‑storage manufacturing still concentrated in Asia, U.S.‑based companies have a real opportunity to strengthen domestic production—driven by supply‑chain resilience efforts, policy incentives, and broader risk‑mitigation strategies. There’s also growing focus on diversified sourcing, as local partnerships improve reliability, reduce exposure to global disruptions, and support faster delivery aligned with U.S. standards.
In conversations with OEMs and utilities, it’s clear that supply‑chain reliability and “made‑here” value are quickly moving to the top of the priority list. Teams are asking for shorter lead times, easier engineering support, simpler import processes, and equipment that meets U.S.‑compliant certifications.
With the 2026 fire codes now active in NY and CA, BESS safety has shifted from a best practice to a legal requirement. We help integrators and manufacturers meet these demands with the Han® 450 S.
Key benefits of the Han® 450 S:
✅ UL 4128 Certified: For electrochemical battery systems.
✅ Thermal Safety: Reduces heat at the source to prevent thermal runaway.
✅ Finger‑safe: Protects field teams.
✅ High Power Density: Supports up to 450A / 1500V DC in a compact interface.
✅ Double Locking Lever: Prevents accidental disconnection under load.
✅ 360° Rotatable Head: Maximizes cable flexibility for tight spaces and easy module integration.
3) Sustainability Is No Longer a Side Conversation
Sustainability now influences nearly every infrastructure decision, whether it’s material reduction, smaller system footprints, U.S.-based manufacturing, or the broader shift toward greener technologies. We’re also seeing growing momentum behind the adoption of SF₆‑free insulation technologies. Across the industry, teams are prioritizing components that are lighter, longer‑lasting, easier to install, and designed with durable or reduced‑material structures.
At HARTING, sustainability is embedded as a core competency in the development of next‑generation components. Our Han® industrial connectors use bio-based plastics which reduce the CO2 footprint. The bio‑polymer is produced using a mass‑balancing approach that incorporates renewable—rather than purely fossil‑based—raw materials. It meets the criteria of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC+) and delivers up to a 70% CO₂ reduction (based on certified bio‑circular polycarbonate). ISCC+ certification also ensures full material traceability throughout the supply chain, enabling customers to meaningfully improve their overall CO₂ balance.
4) Energy Distribution Design Is Evolving
Equipment manufacturers working in energy‑distribution design face several challenges: limited installation space, harsh operating environments, restricted line‑of‑sight access, and the need for true “install‑once‑and‑forget‑it” reliability.
One recurring complaint I heard from these teams involved bent or damaged contacts on legacy 32‑pin circular connectors. A single misaligned twist can bend a pin, ruin a cable, and create hours of unnecessary downtime. HARTING’s alternative—the 42‑pin rectangular connector—offers a plug‑and‑play interface that eliminates these failures and simplifies installation.
As installation spaces continue to shrink—especially as utilities move equipment from overhead lines into underground vaults—robust and reliable data‑connection technology is becoming increasingly important. That’s where solutions like the fiber optics could come into play.
Another solution is expanded‑beam technology, which maintains reliable optical connections in harsh or contaminated environments. It also allows users to extend an optical link simply by connecting another cable, without adapters or worrying about routing direction.
5) Next-Gen Energy Infrastructure is Needed Now
The future is clear: connectivity must enable faster builds, higher power density, and long‑term reliability. From modular interfaces to high‑power energy‑storage connections, HARTING solutions are engineered to install quickly, withstand harsh environments, and support the shift to more localized, sustainable infrastructure.
