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ICF is supporting the Commission with technical expertise for the assessment of the items listed in Article 7 of Regulation 2019/1783 (Ecodesign of small, medium and large power transformers), and analysis of further items as derived from stakeholder feedback.

The items listed in Article 7 of regulation 2019/1783 are as follows:

a) the extent to which requirements set out for Tier 2 have been cost-effective and the appropriateness to introduce stricter Tier 3 requirements;

b) the appropriateness of the concessions introduced for medium and large power transformers in cases where installation costs would have been disproportionate. In particular, the analysis should investigate concessions in concrete cases (e.g. manufacturers, electricity companies, market surveillance authorities) and determine their appropriateness;

c) the possibility of utilising the PEI calculation for losses alongside the losses in absolute values for medium power transformers;

d) the possibility to adopt a technology-neutral approach to the minimum requirements set out for liquid-immersed, dry-type and, possibly, electronic transformers;

e) the appropriateness of setting minimum performance requirements for small power transformers;

f) the appropriateness of the exemptions for transformers in offshore applications;

g) the appropriateness of the concessions for pole-mounted transformers and for special combinations of winding voltages for medium power transformers;

h) the possibility and appropriateness of covering environmental impacts other than energy in the use phase, such as noise and material efficiency

Further items of study have been added to the study for review: 

i) material efficiency aspects;

j) an analysis of the standards, and of their relevance for regulatory purposes;

k) technological, market and regulatory evolutions affecting environmental performance;

l) ecodesign (or similar) requirements for power transformers in other jurisdictions, in particular the US and Japan and in comparison to current ecodesign requirements for Tier 2.

m) strengthening potential of the existing MEPS and the potential of introducing material efficiency requirements(MMPS);

n) impact of rising electricity prices on current and potentially stricter ecodesign requirements.

o) existing methodologies for assessing technoeconomic aspects of ecodesign for power transformers (especially in terms of technology neutrality, circularity, MEPS and MMPS), as well as for the assessment of the costs for replacement/installation of transformers, based on the principles laid down in Regulation 2019/17834.

p) functional categorisation of power transformers (including conventional transformers, overload transformers and fire performant transformers and any others that the contractor may suggest).

q) a techno-economic analysis on the relevance and feasibility of requirements (in particular for low-to-medium and medium-to-high voltage transformers) related to design features aimed to increase the efficiency and lifetime of transformers when working with reversed power flows (due, for instance, to electricity from renewable energy sources injected in the grid at lower voltage levels).

r) other topics, as emerged from consultations with stakeholders.