Global grid expansion is struggling to keep pace with surging demand for electricity as procurement lead times and costs for essential parts have nearly doubled since 2021 / Efforts to expand and modernise electricity transmission grids around the world face mounting challenges as supply chain bottlenecks intensify, according to a new IEA report. Prices and procurement times for essential components like power transformers and cables have almost doubled in four years, creating significant hurdles for grid developers. The report, Building the Future Transmission Grid: Strategies to Navigate Supply Chain Challenges, highlights that developing transmission infrastructure is essential for energy security and reliable electricity delivery. The supply chain challenges facing the sector come as the world moves toward the Age of Electricity, with global power consumption set to increase strongly in the years ahead. This trend results from the growing electrification of industrial activity; rising use of air conditioning, appliances, electric vehicles and heat pumps; and the expansion of data centres to support the rapid development of artificial intelligence. (....)