Image source: Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy has delivered its first power transformer incorporating low-carbon copper to support TenneT Germany’s supply chain decarbonization program, marking a step toward reducing emissions in grid infrastructure.

The transformer, rated at 380 MVA, has been installed at a substation in Hardebek, Germany, under a framework agreement signed between the two companies in 2023. All future units under this agreement are expected to use low-carbon copper conductors, according to the company.

The initiative is aligned with TenneT Germany’s climate targets, which include reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.

The use of low-carbon copper is estimated to reduce embedded carbon emissions in transformer materials by approximately 18%. Across the full scope of the agreement, total emissions savings could reach around 9,500 metric tons of CO₂, the company said.

This reduction is comparable to the annual output of roughly 24 MW of installed wind capacity, highlighting the potential impact of material-level decarbonization within energy infrastructure.

Copper is a critical component in transformers due to its high electrical and thermal conductivity, but its production is resource-intensive and contributes significantly to the equipment’s overall carbon footprint. The adoption of lower-emission copper is also reported to reduce environmental impact costs related to materials by up to 60%, based on TenneT’s internal methodology.

The development comes amid growing pressure on the energy sector to decarbonize supply chains, not only through renewable generation but also through materials and manufacturing processes.

Transformers play a central role in electricity transmission, enabling efficient voltage conversion across grids. Demand for such equipment has been rising as Europe accelerates its energy transition and electrification efforts, alongside expanding renewable capacity.

Hitachi Energy, a Switzerland-based energy technology company, has been expanding its transformer production capacity in Germany and globally to meet increasing demand tied to grid modernization and decarbonization initiatives.

The companies emphasized that achieving climate targets will require collaboration across the value chain, including suppliers of raw materials such as copper.

The deployment of transformers using lower-emission materials reflects a broader industry trend toward addressing “cradle-to-gate” emissions, which account for environmental impacts from raw material extraction through manufacturing.

Source: hitachienergy.com