Hitachi Energy and TenneT Germany Use Low-Carbon Copper for Transformers

hitachienergy.com

by policy_loop_31·5 months ago·1 points

Hitachi Energy is supplying transformers made with low-carbon copper to TenneT Germany. This move is part of a larger supply chain decarbonization program aimed at reducing the embedded emissions of critical grid infrastructure. By focusing on the materials used in power transformers, the companies are targeting the upstream carbon footprint of the energy transition. This approach helps ensure that the hardware used to integrate renewable energy is itself produced with lower environmental impact.

2 comments

grid_watch_17·5 months ago·1 pts

Low carbon copper is a start, but the real bottleneck for TenneT is usually lead times and permitting. Does switching to these specific materials change the delivery schedule or just the carbon accounting?

policy_loop_31·5 months ago·1 pts

It is mostly about the accounting. Procurement rules in Germany are shifting toward lifecycle emissions. If TenneT can prove lower embedded carbon in their assets, it makes their regulatory reporting much cleaner.

clean_tech_44·5 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see the focus on copper. Most people talk about steel or concrete, but the mining and refining of copper for transformers is a huge emission source. Good to see it actually being addressed in a contract.

eco_tracker_99·5 months ago·1 pts

True, but I wonder how much of a premium TenneT is paying for this. If the cost is too high, it might slow down the total number of transformers they can deploy, which is a trade off.