Core Insights - The demand for transformers, considered the "heart of the grid," is surging globally, with the U.S. Department of Energy predicting a need to replace nearly 500,000 transformers over the next five years [1] - China accounts for 60% of global transformer production capacity, with exports reaching 29.711 billion yuan from January to August 2025, a year-on-year increase of 51.42% [1] - The development of environmentally friendly switchgear is becoming urgent due to the high global warming potential of SF₆ gas, previously used in high-voltage electrical equipment [1] Group 1: Factors Driving Demand - The global energy transition towards cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is driving the demand for related equipment, including transformers [3] - Increased electricity consumption, particularly from AI data centers, is contributing to the rising demand for power infrastructure, with AI data centers consuming over ten times more electricity than traditional data centers [3] - Weak electrical infrastructure in regions like the U.S. is prompting upgrades and replacements, further fueling demand for transformers and related facilities [3] Group 2: Regional Insights - Europe is undergoing significant energy transition efforts, while Saudi Arabia's energy transformation is driving explosive growth in electricity demand in the Middle East [4] - In Asia, besides China, countries like India and Singapore are also experiencing increased demand for electrical infrastructure, with India investing heavily in ultra-high voltage direct current wind power [4] Group 3: Company Initiatives - Hitachi Energy is expanding its transformer production capacity in Thailand with an investment of 455 million Thai Baht (approximately 14 million USD) to meet the growing electricity demand in the Asia-Pacific region [4] - Hitachi Energy has collaborated with over 400 Chinese partners on more than 1,000 projects globally, including modernization of the Kampala city grid in Uganda and a 100 MW wind project in Uzbekistan [5] - GE Vernova showcased carbon capture solutions at the China International Import Expo, highlighting the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% for combined cycle power plants [4]
不仅仅是AI驱动！“电网心脏”变压器成抢手货，进博会上的能源巨头怎么看