Transformer shortage: DOE funds
Supply chain issues, new construction and demand outpacing manufacturing capacity are several factors behind the transformer shortage.
Image for illustration purposes.
USA, Washington DC: The Department of Energy is placing a bet on more advanced transformer designs that could alleviate the long lead times for new transformers, which are hampering outage restoration, renewable energy projects and grid upgrades. Up to nine participants can draw from an $18 million funding opportunity for developing, testing, and piloting new “flexible innovative transformer technologies”.
Last year, T&D World was told by some utilities that the shortage has caused lead times in excess of three years in some cases. The impact is felt by utilities all over North America. DOE’s funding could boost development of new transformer designs with a wide range of transmission and distribution uses.
“More flexible and adaptable grid components will increase grid resilience at lower cost and reduce supply chain challenges facing the utility sector,” said Gene Rodrigues, Assistant Secretary for Electricity.
The funding opportunity will be co-funded by the DOE Office of Electricity and the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response. The two areas of interest are to research and develop advanced distribution transformers (flexible, modular, scalable, hybrid or solid state) and to demonstrate activities for advanced distribution transformers across a range of transmission-scale duties. DOE expects to announce the selectees in late summer.
Source: T&D World