PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1662282
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1662282
A ring main unit (RMU) is a pre-assembled set of switchgear enclosed in metal, commonly utilized at the connection points within a ring-type distribution network. It features two switches that connect both ends of the load to the primary conductors and incorporates a fusible switch or circuit breaker functioning as a tee-off for supplying medium voltage to low voltage distribution transformers (MV to LV).
The primary types of ring main units include gas-insulated, oil-insulated, air-insulated, solid di-electric, and other variants. Gas-insulated units consist of components where active parts carrying high voltage potential are situated within aluminum alloy pipes, held in place by epoxy resin insulators. Component types typically encompass self-powered electronic relays, switchgear, and fuses. These units operate at various voltage levels including low, medium, and high voltages and are designed for both indoor and outdoor installations. They find extensive use in industrial, commercial, and residential distribution applications.
The ring main unit market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides ring main unit market statistics, including ring main unit industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a ring main unit market share, detailed ring main unit market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ring main unit industry. This ring main unit market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The ring main unit market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.4 billion in 2024 to $2.56 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to urbanization and infrastructure development, efficient power distribution, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, industrial expansion.
The ring main unit market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.43 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to electrification initiatives, cybersecurity measures, resilient power infrastructure, digitalization and automation, distributed energy resources. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption in industrial sectors, regulatory support and incentives, remote monitoring and management, customization and innovation.
The growing demand for electricity is expected to drive the growth of the ring main unit market in the future. Electricity is a form of energy that powers machinery and equipment, providing light and heat. This increasing demand necessitates the use of ring main units for various applications, such as connecting different types of switches, supplying distribution transformers, and other related functions. For example, in September 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA), based in France, reported that total net electricity production reached 902.8 TWh in June 2024, representing a 5.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Thus, the rising demand for electricity is propelling the growth of the ring main unit market.
Another significant factor contributing to the growth of the ring main unit market is the rising investment in improving transmission infrastructure. Transmission infrastructure, which conveys electricity at voltages exceeding 50 kilovolts, involves structures, tools, and other items used for transmission purposes. Investments in transmission infrastructure improvement aim to enhance the distribution network and increase capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity. In October 2023, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced a commitment of up to $1.3 billion for three transmission lines spanning six states as part of the President's Investing in America agenda. This substantial investment is expected to advance projects that will add 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of additional grid capacity across the United States, further driving the growth of the ring main unit market.
Leading companies in the ring main unit market are concentrating on developing non-SF6 ring main units to mitigate environmental impact, adhere to stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable power distribution solutions. Non-SF6 ring main units (RMUs) are electrical switchgear systems used in medium-voltage power distribution that do not utilize sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas for insulation or arc-quenching. For example, in April 2024, Lucy Electric Ltd, a UK-based company, launched EcoTech, a non-SF6 ring main unit. EcoTech replaces SF6 with synthetic air, a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, thereby addressing environmental concerns associated with greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, EcoTech features an embedded control unit and standard remote control capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling improved monitoring and management of energy distribution systems.
Major players in the ring main unit market are taking significant steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by integrating advanced ring main units (RMUs). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) contribute to the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in the planet's average temperature. In May 2022, Enel S.p.A., an Italian-based green energy company engaged in the generation, distribution, and sale of electricity and gas, installed SF6-free SafePlus AirPlus Ring Main Units. These units were developed by ABB Ltd., a Switzerland-based automation and technology company, as a low-pressure 24kV solution aimed at enhancing safety, ensuring reliability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Enel Global Infrastructure & Networks deployed ABB's advanced SF6-free RMUs, specifically tailored to meet Enel's specifications. This implementation contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions while providing dependable and sustainable power across Enel's networks in Italy and Spain.
In July 2023, AcBel Polytech Inc., a Taiwan-based company, acquired MANN ABB Ltd for $505 million. This acquisition allows AcBel Polytech to expand its portfolio by leveraging ABB's expertise in providing ring main units (RMUs). ABB Ltd is a Switzerland-based company that specializes in offering ring main units.
Major companies operating in the ring main unit market are ABB Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, Eaton Corporation PLC, Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Siemens AG, LS Electric Co. Ltd, Entec Electric & Electronic Co. Ltd, EPE Switchgear (M) Sdn. Bhd, Lucy Electric Ltd., Ormazabal Corporacion Empresarial S.L., Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited, Orecco Electric d.o.o, Alfanar Group Ltd., LSIS Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corp., CG Power & Industrial Solutions Ltd., SGC - SwitchGear Company NV, NOJA Power Switchgear Pty Ltd., G&W Electric Company, C&S Electric Limited, E+I Engineering Ltd., Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Ltd., Kappa Engineering (Pty) Ltd., KONCAR - Electrical Industry Inc., Laxmi Electronics Pvt. Ltd., MGC Moser-Glaser AG, Mors Smitt B.V, Nissin Electric Co. Ltd., RPS Switchgear Limited, S&S Power Switchgear Limited, Slaters Electricals Ltd., Switchgear Power Systems LLC, Tavrida Electric AG, TE Connectivity Ltd., TGOOD Global Ltd., Trayer Engineering Corporation, VEO Oy, Wahah Electric Supply Company of Saudi Arabia Co., Xiamen Huadian Switchgear Co. Ltd.
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the ring main unit market share in 2024 and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the ring main unit market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the ring main unit market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The ring main unit market consists of sales of load break switches, circuit breakers, numerical relays, and cable testing compartments. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Ring Main Unit Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on ring main unit market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for ring main unit ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The ring main unit market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.