The scope for energy saving in the EU through the use of energy-efficient electricity distribution transformers

The scope for saving energy in the EU through the use of energy-efficient distribution transformers, has been estimated at 22 TWh/year, worth 942 million Euros at 1999 prices. Despite the efficiency of individual units, up to 2% of total electricity generated is estimated to be lost in distribution transformers, nearly one-third of the overall losses from the transmission and distribution system. This is comparable in scope with the energy savings potential estimated for electric motors and classes of domestic appliances. It is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 6 million homes, or the electricity produced by three nuclear power stations in Europe. Because of the long life span of distribution transformers, ultimate market penetration will only be achieved gradually. Despite this, the authors estimate that energy-efficient units could contribute 7 TWh of savings by 2010, representing 1% of the European commitment to reducing carbon emissions.