Search results for power transformers
AI & Enterprise
Transformer shortage pushes lead times to up to 4 years as AI data centre, EV demand surges
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.
Telecommunications & Media
Europe and North Africa start building first HVDC subsea power link under Mediterranean
Europe and North Africa have moved to build their first direct-current subsea power link, connecting Italy’s Sicily with Tunisia through the Mediterranean. Italy’s grid operator Terna and Tunisia’s state electricity and gas utility STEG selected Hitachi Energy to build converter stations for the ELMED interconnection project under a contract worth about 770 million euros. The 600 MW link spans about 220 km, with cables reaching depths of about 800 metres.
Industry
Without Korean-made transformers, AI would stall; U.S. big tech seeks help from South Korea\'s power equipment makers
Global big tech companies are pouring vast sums into building data centres to meet surging AI demand, but severe shortages of key power-infrastructure equipment such as transformers and batteries are putting about half of overall construction plans at risk of delay or cancellation. Reports cited in foreign media say delivery times for high-power transformers have stretched to as long as five years. With U.S. manufacturing capacity strained, companies are looking to global suppliers including South Korea.