27 European Transmission System Operators Expect to Add 2,820 Transformers by 2035

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On November 3, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) published the "2026 Transmission Network Investment and Supply Chain Assessment Report," summarizing the equipment installation plans of 27 transmission system operators in 24 countries from 2026 to 2035. The surveyed operators expect to install 2,820 new power transformers over the next decade, against an existing equipment base of 5,649 units. During the same period, they plan to deploy approximately 34,000 km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables and 119 bipolar DC converter stations, with related demand covering grid expansion, replacement of existing equipment, and transmission system upgrades.

The surveyed transmission system operators expect to add 119 bipolar DC converter stations, compared with 38 such facilities in existence at the end of 2025. Planned HVDC cable installations total 33,990 conductor-kilometers, comprising 22,303 conductor-kilometers of underground cable and 11,687 conductor-kilometers of submarine cable. German transmission system operators account for approximately 85% of the underground HVDC cable demand within the survey scope.

High-voltage switchgear procurement plans include 4,238 gas-insulated switchgear bays that do not use sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) and 2,884 gas-insulated switchgear bays that still use sulfur hexafluoride. Operators also plan to procure 10,819 air-insulated switchgear circuit breakers using sulfur hexafluoride. The equipment procurement plans reflect technology upgrade arrangements following the implementation of EU fluorinated greenhouse gas regulations.

Overhead transmission line upgrade plans include 64,107 conductor-kilometers of high-temperature low-sag conductors. Some operators also plan to add dynamic line rating monitoring systems to adjust permissible line transmission capacity based on transmission line operating data and environmental conditions. Demand for reactive power compensation equipment is also changing, with plans to add 53 static synchronous compensators with capacities exceeding 150 MVA, against an existing equipment base of 11 units.

The report shows that planned installation demand for multiple categories of transmission equipment is concentrated between 2028 and 2032, involving transformers, DC transmission equipment, switchgear, and other transmission assets. The survey also found that some transmission system operators face shortages of engineering technicians and construction personnel, and some operators have reported implementation delays on related projects.

This assessment covers seven major categories of transmission network equipment, with data derived from the medium- and long-term installation plans of the surveyed operators.