Power Grid and Transformer Industry Trends — 2026-06-29

Top Orders

Hitachi Energy — €770M (approx. $876M)

• Equipment/Scope: HVDC Light converter stations (Elmed project).
• Delivery/Scale: 600MW capacity, connecting via approximately 220km of subsea HVDC cable.
• Strategic Significance: Commissioned by Italian TSO Terna and Tunisian state utility STEG. Enhances Mediterranean energy interconnectivity and improves Southern European energy security. Marks a major expansion of Hitachi's European infrastructure project portfolio.

Hitachi Energy & Fingrid — Bulk Transformer Supply Agreement

• Equipment/Scope: Seven 400 MVA, 400 kV large power transformers.
• Delivery/Scale: For the expansion of the Finnish transmission network; 2,800 MVA total capacity.
• Strategic Significance: Addresses the growing demand for Nordic grid modernization; demonstrates Hitachi’s high-voltage transformer supply capability.

Manufacturer Announcements

Hitachi Energy — Strengthening North American Transformer Supply Chain

• Announcement: Expansion of North American transformer insulation and component production capacity through the acquisition of Canada-based Canduct. Expected to close in early Q3 2026.
• Market Impact: Aimed at easing the U.S. transformer lead-time crisis, reducing bottlenecks, and improving customer delivery times and regional resilience.

GE Vernova — Added to Russell Top 50 Index, Expanding AI Data Center Orders

• Announcement: Newly added to the Russell Top 50 index in late June 2026. Recorded $2.4B in data center equipment orders in Q1 2026.
• Market Impact: Reflects accelerating power demand from AI infrastructure. Intensifying competition among power OEMs in the data center market; provides strong growth momentum compared to rivals like Siemens Energy.

Market & Financials

• Global Transformer Market Outlook: Projected to grow from $21.9B in 2024 to $33B by 2034, at a 4% CAGR, driven by renewable energy integration and grid modernization.

• Siemens Energy Stock Performance: Dropped over 6% in two days on the Xetra exchange. Despite the EU’s €1 trillion grid expansion plan, the stock remains in a technical slump, with a 30-day decline of 12%.

• GE Vernova vs. Constellation Energy: The comparison between these two energy infrastructure giants is deepening; GE Vernova focuses on global transmission and automation solutions, while Constellation centers on carbon-free generation.

1 sources

transformer-magazine.com

Power transformer market to top $33 B by 2034 – Transformer Magazine

Grid & HVDC Pipeline

• EU €1 Trillion Grid Expansion Plan: European energy ministers have agreed to accelerate grid investment, potentially creating massive project pipelines for major OEMs like Siemens Energy, Hitachi Energy, and ABB.

• Italy-Tunisia Elmed HVDC Link: The 600MW bidirectional HVDC interconnection will link North African renewables to Europe. Hitachi Energy’s €770M contract for the converter stations keeps the project on track for completion in the 2030s.

1 sources

oceannews.com

oceannews.com

Supply Chain Watch

While the U.S. transformer lead-time crisis persists, Hitachi Energy's acquisition of Canduct signals potential relief for North American insulation and component supply bottlenecks. Although global copper and aluminum futures remain weak due to financial uncertainty, transformer supply tension is expected to last throughout 2026-2027.

Insights — What to Watch Next

1. Deployment of EU Grid Funds: Keep an eye on when the €1 trillion plan translates into actual orders and track the competition between Siemens Energy and Hitachi Energy for these projects.

2. Hitachi Energy’s Canduct Acquisition (Q3 2026): Track changes in North American transformer supply structures and monitor how competitors like ABB and GE Vernova respond in their own supply chain strategies.

3. Upcoming GE Vernova Earnings: Check for data center revenue recognition methods and total backlog size to understand the correlation between AI infrastructure trends and demand for transformers and HVDC devices.

Reader Action Items

• Review Transformer Procurement Plans: For North American clients, verify potential Hitachi supply via Canduct from Q3 2026 onwards while simultaneously pursuing negotiations with alternative suppliers (ABB, Siemens).

• Monitor HVDC Trends: Use the Italy-Tunisia deal as a benchmark to track the European offshore wind and renewable energy HVDC bidding pipeline. Scout for major opportunities arriving in 2027-2030.

• Deep Dive into EU Grid Plans: Identify funding disbursement schedules, priority regions, and bidding criteria. Stay ahead by tracking supply-side and technical standard trends to refine your management strategy.