Future-Ready Grids Elevate the Role of Transformers Globally

 

The global transformer market is undergoing a transformative phase—fueled by global electrification efforts, increasing renewable energy penetration, and accelerating grid modernization. Valued at US$ 57.4 billion in 2024, the industry is projected to reach US$ 100.0 billion by 2035, advancing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. This robust growth is reflective of the increasing importance of transformers in achieving energy efficiency, grid reliability, and sustainable development goals.

 

Analyst Viewpoint: Clean Energy and Infrastructure Shape Market Trajectory

Transformers are the backbone of power transmission and distribution systems, and their relevance has only grown with the global shift toward decarbonization and electrification. The growing need for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind into power grids necessitates the deployment of smart, efficient, and high-capacity transformers.

Furthermore, infrastructure investments in developing regions, especially in Asia-Pacific and Africa, are creating lucrative opportunities for both established and emerging transformer manufacturers. However, challenges such as raw material price fluctuations, environmental regulations, and the need for energy-efficient solutions continue to pressure the market to innovate.

 

Market Overview: Innovation at the Core of Grid Expansion

The expansion of renewable power sources and smart grids has made transformers more crucial than ever. In rapidly urbanizing countries like China and India, government initiatives to improve power reliability and access are significantly boosting demand. Likewise, Europe and North America are upgrading aging grid infrastructures and investing in resilient networks that support clean energy and electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems.

The projected growth of the global transformer market to US$ 100.0 billion by 2035 is supported by:

• Ongoing urbanization and industrialization
• The proliferation of electric vehicles
• Global focus on energy efficiency
• Widespread adoption of smart grids and IoT-enabled grid devices

 

Key Market Drivers

1. Energy Efficiency Mandates in Power Transmission

As utilities seek to minimize energy losses, governments are enforcing regulations that push for high-efficiency transformers. The EU Eco-design Directive Tier 2 and new efficiency standards by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) mandate the use of advanced materials like amorphous steel cores, which significantly reduce power loss.

In the UK, companies like National Grid and SSE plan to invest over £77 billion between 2026 and 2031 to modernize the electricity grid. These investments will further catalyze the demand for next-gen transformers.

2. EV Revolution and Charging Infrastructure

The rapid global adoption of electric vehicles is transforming the power landscape. To support EV charging infrastructure, grid operators need to significantly upgrade transformers for better load management. By 2035, over 270 million residential chargers are expected to be deployed, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)—a staggering statistic that speaks volumes about future transformer needs.

In India, achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030 will require between US$ 20–30 billion in charging infrastructure—underscoring the critical role of transformers in the mobility transition.

 

Power Transformers Lead the Way

The transformer market is segmented by type, including Power Transformers, Distribution Transformers, Instrument Transformers, Isolation Transformers, and others. The Power Transformer segment captured a 45% share in 2024 and is projected to expand steadily through 2035.

These high-voltage transformers are essential for long-distance power transmission and grid reliability. Their use is increasing due to:

• Renewable energy grid integration
• Growing electricity consumption
• Modernization of legacy infrastructure

Power transformers also enable the transformation of high-voltage electricity from renewables into safer, usable voltages for end-users—be it residential, commercial, or industrial sectors.

 

Regional Insights: East Asia Takes the Lead

East Asia, led by China, Japan, and South Korea, held a 33.6% market share in 2024 and is expected to maintain its dominance with a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035.

Key factors include:

• Massive investments in grid infrastructure
• High levels of urbanization and industrial activity
• Expanding renewable energy generation
• Presence of major transformer manufacturing hubs

East Asia not only consumes a substantial volume of transformers but also exports globally—making it a pivotal player in shaping global transformer trends.

 

Key Players and Strategic Developments

The transformer market is consolidated, with major companies focusing on innovation, mergers & acquisitions, and capacity expansion. Notable players include:

• ABB
• Siemens AG
• Schneider Electric SE
• CG Power and Industrial Solutions
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• Delta Electronics, Inc.
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

Recent Developments:

• Schneider Electric (March 2025): Announced a significant expansion in transformer production capacity to meet global demand.
• CG Power (June 2023): Invested US$ 15 million to scale up manufacturing in India, increasing output of both power and distribution transformers.

These companies are heavily investing in R&D and deploying green transformers to meet environmental standards and performance benchmarks.

 

Looking Ahead: Toward a Smarter, Greener Grid

The global transformer market is on a strong growth path, driven by technological evolution, policy support, and sustainability goals. The integration of IoT, AI, and digital monitoring in transformer systems is also paving the way for a new era of smart transformers that optimize energy flows and reduce downtime.

With expanding applications in EV infrastructure, renewables, urban power systems, and industrial automation, transformers are more than just passive grid components—they’re becoming strategic enablers of the global energy transition.

As utilities and governments double down on energy efficiency, grid resilience, and decarbonization, the transformer market is set to play an indispensable role in powering the future.