Siemens introduced its new Sensgear and Sensformer as parts of its new digital switchgear portfolio. The technologies enable every operator to have access to a cloud-based platform that visualizes collected data and enables a comprehensive overview of all assets and the power grid's status in real time. The new levels of connectivity and transparency minimizes the risk of unplanned outages and, with regard to fossil fuel assets, gas leakage and potential carbon equivalent emissions penalties. Siemens' patent portfolio further reflects its view that energy is an asset to be managed as more and more communities adopt smart grids. The overall intention of the company appears to be to support operators as they integrate the growing proportion of renewables and distributed energy generation into the power grid.