Dear Readers,

A big part of the materials that we publish in the magazine is aimed at shedding light on the evolution of the transformer technology and market from different points of view. However, this evolution might be much more drastic than what we imagine if we don’t look at the complete environment for transformers.

According to a new report Energy Transition Outlook 2017 by DNV GL, by 2050, 85 % of global electricity needs will be met by renewable sources of energy! The installed capacity of renewable sources in 2015 was less than 8 %, without hydropower. So, how will this increaserenewables in the energy mix affect the market of generator step-up transformers, for example? This issue features a great market review column by Steve Aubertin, which goes into some specific detail about this trend and its effects on the size and number of transformers, and thus on this entire market niche.

Furthermore, what will be the effects of this trend on the transformers in the transmission and distribution grid? Some of them have already been discussed in other articles published in previous editions of the magazine. However, the increase of renewables in energy production is still only one of many drivers which shape the future of the industry.