Smart transformer market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Smart transformers are traditional transformers incorporated with sensing, monitoring, and control features empowering them to operate more effectively and independently. The market growth is expected to be driven by the increasing adoption & deployment of alternative energy network deployment. The integration of smart transformers in smart grids, growing investment in grid modernization, decentralizing of distribution systems, and advancement in relative technology are other contributors to the global market growth. 

Market Dynamics  

Increasing Investment in Grid Modernization

The global energy generation and distribution industry is going through a transformational phase of upgrading and deploying modern grid infrastructure to counter the aging grid network issue. The collective efforts of modernizing grid infrastructure are expected to increase investments in smart transformer deployment, which is essential for creating more flexible and adaptive power grids. For instance, in October 2023, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and the Family of Companies that support Georgia electric cooperatives announced working together on a transformative project that will benefit communities across the state by increasing reliability and lowering costs, with an estimated investment of over $507.0 million. The project will modernize the smart grid infrastructure by investing in battery storage, local microgrids, grid resilience, and new transmission lines.

Growing Energy Demand 

The electricity demand is increasing globally owing to the increasing population, and industrialization. The increase in demand has prompted countries to invest in alternative and current energy generation capabilities to meet future demand, alongside integrating smart equipment into the network to provide monitoring, tracking, and predictive maintenance features, making the grid networks future-ready and cost-efficient. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, global power demand remained resilient despite the global energy crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Demand increased by about 2.0%, compared to an average growth rate of 2.4% from 2015 to 2019. The electrification of the transportation and heating sectors has continued to accelerate globally, with record sales of electric automobiles and heat pumps in 2022 contributing to growth. Electricity consumption in the European Union fell sharply by 3.5% year on year (y-o-y) in 2022, as the region was particularly hard impacted by high energy prices, resulting in significant demand destruction among industrial consumers. Electricity demand in India and the US increased, while COVID-19 regulations hampered China's expansion.

Segmental Outlook 

• Based on type, the market is segmented into power transformers, distribution transformers, specialty transformers, and instrument transformers.

• Based on application, the market is segmented into smart grid, locomotives, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Distribution Transformer is the Most Prominent Smart Transformer Type

Distribution transformer is the leading transformer type in the smart transformer market owing to increasing investment in energy distribution networks enhancement, integration of smart grid in distribution networks requiring smart transformers to complement usage, and ample investment in emerging countries for distribution infrastructure advancements.

Smart Grids is the Biggest Application Segment

Smart grids remain the biggest application area for smart transformers as smart grids are being increasingly deployed globally to enhance faster installation. The reduced energy cost, predictive maintenance, and proper monitoring and tracking benefits create scope for the increasing deployment of smart transformers in the smart grid. 

Regional Outlook 

The global smart transformer market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).  

North America holds the Highest Share in Smart Transformer Market

North America is projected to dominate the smart transformer market owing to the growing demand for electricity in the region, increasing investment in grid modernization, and the presence of major smart transformer manufacturers such as ABB Ltd., and General Electric among others. The rising emphasis on the development of alternate energy network development, substantial support from state-run organizations through policies, R&D investments, and the high adoption of smart equipment in the energy sector are other contributors to the regional market growth. For instance, in January 2022, the US Department of Energy (DOE) launched the ‘Building a Better Grid’ initiative to catalyze the nationwide development of new and upgraded high-capacity electric transmission lines, as enabled by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Building a Better Grid will work with community and industry stakeholders to identify national transmission needs and support the buildout of long-distance.

Global Smart Transformer Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Smart Transformer Market

• The region is expected to outpace global electricity demand in the future owing to the increasing population, rapid industrialization, and investments in the development of modern grid infrastructure, creating scope for the integration of smart transformers.

• Asia-Pacific countries such as India, and China are extensively investing in modernizing and developing renewable energy-based grid networks, which is expected to create ample demand for smart transformers.

Market Players Outlook 

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order. 

The major companies serving the global smart transformer market include ABB Group, General Electric Co., Hitachi Energy Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., and Siemens AG among others. The market players are focusing on capitalizing on growth by adopting strategies such as collaboration, partnerships, and market expansion among others. For instance, in October 2023, Prolec, a global energy infrastructure provider, partnered with Ubicquia, a pioneer in intelligent utility infrastructure, to create the industry's first fully integrated smart transformer. The new transformers enable real-time monitoring and grid analytics. Units have started shipping to North American utilities for field trials.

The Report Covers 

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031. 
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. 
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. 
• Key companies operating in the global smart transformer market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report. 
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. 
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. 
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.