Hitachi Energy is providing transformers featuring low-carbon copper to TenneT Germany. This initiative is part of a broader supply chain decarbonization program aimed at reducing the embedded emissions of critical grid infrastructure. By integrating materials with a lower carbon footprint, the project addresses the environmental impact of the hardware required for the energy transition. This move highlights the growing importance of sustainable procurement in large scale power system upgrades.
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Low carbon copper is a start, but the real bottleneck for TenneT is usually permitting and site access. I wonder how many of these units are actually slated for delivery this year versus just being a pilot for the procurement rules.
It is more about the reporting standards. TenneT is likely pushing this to meet specific EU taxonomy or national decarbonization targets for their supply chain. The procurement rules are the actual product here, not just the copper.
Interesting to see the focus shift to embedded carbon in the hardware. Most people just talk about the energy mix, but the steel and copper in these transformers have a huge footprint.
True, but I want to see the cost delta. If low carbon copper adds a significant premium, it will be hard to scale this across every utility in Europe without a subsidy or a carbon tax on the standard stuff.
