MARKET
Leading the sustainable future of power transmission
Driven by the escalating demand for electricity and the transition towards clean energy, we are witnessing a remarkable expansion of distribution and transmission grids on a global scale.
This energy transition is not only modernizing our aging infrastructure but also paving the way for offshore wind and large solar parks, which require extensive HVDC transmission lines.
In the face of these formidable challenges, Trench has consistently been recognized by its customers as one of the best and most reliable partners for over six decades. We have unfailingly been at the forefront of high voltage products innovation and, today, we are leading the movement towards sustainability. Our commitment to overcoming any hurdle and exceeding expectations firmly positions Trench as the definitive choice in this transformative era based on clean energy.
Klaus Merklein
Trench Group, Chief Sales Officer
An all-electrified world drives the demand
MARKET DRIVERS
Global electricity demand is estimated to increase by 7% p.a. until 2030 and grid investments will more than double. From $300B in 2021 to $630B in 2030.
The shift to an “all-electrified world” with electric vehicles, electric heat pumps, electrified industrial processes and a huge demand for data centers is driving this growth.
Green Energy
The increased demand for more long-distance HVDC/HVAC transmissions and cross-border grid integration reflects the ongoing trend towards offshore wind farms and solar parks.
Decarbonization
Utilities worldwide are redefining roadmaps to reduce their carbon footprint through optimization efforts and by using alternative gases such as Clean Air.
Policy and Regulations
The T&D environment is being shaped by governmental initiatives that support renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and modernize the grid. Across the globe, countries are committing significant investments in T&D infrastructure as part of their journey towards achieving Net Zero emissions.
Flexibility
Fluctuations due to an increased infeed from distributed energy resources (DERs) as well as new storage systems require highly flexible grids and decentralization.
Digitalization and Smart Grid
Digital technologies can greatly boost the operation and maintenance of power grids to successfully integrate clean energy sources, as well as ensure energy security over the long run.
Infrastructures Renewal
Modernization and maintenance of infrastructure is at the heart of a successful energy policy. Replacing aging infrastructure is often accompanied by a transition to more sustainable solutions.
FOR A WORLD WITH NET ZERO EMISSIONS
THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF POWER TRANSMISSION
In the future scenario of a decarbonized, electrified, and digitalized energy system, transmission systems serve as the crucial backbone. They offer the most effective means of transporting substantial amounts of electricity from remote renewable energy sources like offshore wind or solar parks to major load centers such as large cities.
Power Generation
Transformation
Transmission
Substation
Distribution
Final Customer
Power Generation
Transformation
Transmission
Substation
Distribution
Final Customer
Power Generation
Transmission and distribution
Reliability, flexibility, and sustainability are key requirements for every Transmission and Distribution System Operator (TSO/DSO) and thus for their HV component suppliers.
Substations are crucial junctions that connect various parts of electricity grids, ensuring safe and stable operations over many years.
They are composed of high voltage components used to switch, transform, measure, control, and protect the flow of electricity.
Given that these components are usually in service for decades, their quality and reliability are essential. Innovative solutions like Optical Current Transformers are paving the way for the future, converting these substations into Digital Substations, which in turn offer enhanced safety and ease of maintenance.
HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) systems enable power transmission over long distances with minimized losses and can bridge asynchronous AC grids. They play a vital role in the energy transition as they, for instance, connect offshore wind to the grid or facilitate electricity flows across countries and diverse grids. The escalating demand for HVDC necessitates experienced HV component suppliers who are not only capable of increasing capacity but also of offering innovative, sustainable products. Additionally, these suppliers must be adaptable and forward-thinking to meet the evolving demands and challenges of the energy industry.
When electricity is needed in remote areas – to electrify a mine, factory, or village, for instance – or when the existing grid is unable to cope with higher loads (such as for e-car charging), micro-substations are the optimal choice, offering significantly lower capex than a conventional substation.
The key component is a Station Service Voltage Transformer (SSVT), also known as a Power Voltage Transformer (PVT), which transforms voltage from a transmission level (up to 550 kV) down to low voltage. This allows for a connection to e-car chargers, mining equipment or households. In addition to their cost-effectiveness, micro-substations are also quick to deploy, flexible, and can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them ideal solutions for remote or rapidly changing environments.
Power quality ideally implies a constant frequency and nominal voltage along with a sinusoidal waveform in a grid at all times. The dynamic changes brought about by the infeed of renewables, changing grid topologies and varying loads can result in disturbances such as harmonics, overvoltage, or frequency variations. HV Current Limiting Reactors, HV Shunt Reactors, as well as measurement devices like Voltage Dividers, aid TSOs in improving power quality. Besides these, the integration of advanced monitoring systems and predictive analytics can further enhance the power quality by providing real-time insights and early detection of potential issues.
Generation
The transition from conventional to renewable energy generation requires massive investments and entirely new solutions, for utilities as well as for HV components.
Large wind or solar parks are connected to load centers via the transmission grid, utilizing both HVAC and HVDC systems to bridge long distances. For many offshore wind farms, electricity is transmitted via large (AC/DC) converter stations located in the ocean. The reliability of these systems in such harsh environments and the need for minimal maintenance necessitate the use of dedicated high-voltage components.
Developers of smaller renewable energy solutions prioritize swift implementation and, as such, seek highly available and standardized components. These standardized components not only expedite the implementation process but also drive down costs and improve system interoperability.
Utilities and owners of conventional power generation facilities are facing evolving political requirements. While some of these power stations continue to operate continuously, others serve as peaker plants, operating only when renewable energy isn’t sufficiently available. In both scenarios, the reduction of Opex is crucial. Consequently, they rely on HV components that require minimal maintenance and guarantee long-term availability of spare parts and services. Moreover, the transition to more sustainable forms of energy is also encouraging these entities to invest in technology and infrastructure that can support the integration of renewable sources into their existing networks.
Industry and Infrastructures
High voltage components play an important role to Industry and Infrastructure customers ensuring a predictable electricity supply at reasonable costs.
Transformer Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Power Transformers need a reliable partner for HV bushings that is highly accepted by end customers and has a comprehensive and innovative product portfolio.
GIS OEMs
Instrument transformers are an integral part of every GIS (Gas-insulated switchgear) system and are used as measuring devices.
GIS OEMs rely on suppliers with proven track record and high acceptance by TSOs as well as competitive lead times and costs.
Datacenter operators have seen an unprecedented increase of demand over the last years due to the rise of social media, cloud applications and our data driven society. They look for safe and predictable operations for their datacenter at minimized costs. As the data centers get larger, the energy consumption gets higher and HV components are more widely used. Sustainability targets require alternative solutions such as Clean Air Instrument transformers.
Manufacturers of High Voltage equipment and HV Test laboratories seek for efficient and accurate HV test equipment that is custom-made to meet their specific needs. When it comes to modernizing or expanding HV factories, they need a reliable partner right from the early design phase through to engineering, manufacturing, installation, and operation. Moreover, the growing trend towards sustainability is increasing the importance of alternative gases such as Clean Air.
For power supply in industrial or infrastructure projects, the investment into a High Voltage substation is a significant cost factor. An innovative but proven alternative at significantly lower Capex and Opex is a micro-substation. The key component is a Power Voltage transformer (PVT / SSVT) transforming voltage from a transmission level (up to 550 kV) down to low voltage connecting e-car chargers, industrial equipment, housings or data centers.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
Successful stories from our customers
Reliability
OUR CUSTOMER APPROACH
We are the partner of choice in every phase of the product cycle.
PRODUCTION
A modern production footprint around the world allows proximity to customers but also the possibility to balance loads. Steady upgrades and investments result in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
Designs that are tailor-made to the specific project or standardized solutions – Trench is providing both depending on the customer needs. An experienced sales engineering and R&D staff is the basis for our success.SERVICES AND END OF LIFE
Our expanding service portfolio ensures the safe operation of our products offering features such as testing and refurbishment. As part of our commitment to a sustainable circular economy we provide recycling services at the end of product life.
INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
Our skilled and professional teams stand by you during the installation phase offering commissioning services to guarantee safe and accurate operation of our equipment.
TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY
No matter where in the world your project is located Trench is an experienced partner when it comes to transportation and delivery. Proven logistic providers and enhanced packaging designs ensure on-time delivery.
TESTING
Cutting-edge test fields with unique capabilities in the area of DC testing or heat run test are the cornerstone of Trench’s legendary product quality and reliability and also the basis for our innovation track-record.