Europe and North American power grids could see new power connections delayed for years due to shortages of power transformers, a key piece of equipment. Demand is rising as AI data centres, electric vehicles and industrial electrification expand. Lead times that were typically 6 to 12 months before 2020 now run 24 to 48 months, with large units taking more than 36 months. Prices are up 50 to 80 percent, while material, labour and testing constraints limit supply.

China will introduce mandatory energy-efficiency standards across its solar industry from Jan. 1, 2027, covering polysilicon, wafers, crystalline silicon modules and grid-connected inverters. The rules will turn previously recommended benchmarks into binding requirements and are expected to affect production, procurement, imports and equipment selection for renewable projects. New national standards will tighten energy-use requirements for polysilicon processes and raise efficiency expectations in wafer manufacturing and finished products.