Industries
Transformer sourcing for international buyers
National utilities, ministries of energy and international developers face the same global shortage of large transformers. We search manufacturers and surplus sources worldwide and screen every option for sanctions, export controls and origin requirements.
The typical problem
Grid expansion and reconstruction projects often need many large transformers at once, along with switchgear and protection. Factory capacity for the largest ratings is concentrated in a limited number of countries, and the same factories serve buyers worldwide. A buyer working through a single preferred supplier sees only that supplier's queue.
International purchases also bring their own rules: export controls in the manufacturer's country, sanctions screening, financing conditions from lenders and development banks, and the buyer's own procurement rules.
What we search for
- Open and released production slots at manufacturers in North America, Europe and Asia.
- Surplus and never-energized units that can be exported and that meet your standards.
- Mobile transformers and substations for restoration work.
- Switchgear and breakers to match.
Our list of manufacturers we track is on the equipment page.
Sanctions and export screening
Every supplier and transaction is screened for sanctions, export controls, FEOC and country-of-origin rules before we recommend it. Where a requirement is unclear, we flag it for your legal and compliance teams rather than guessing. We do not proceed with options that fail screening.
Standards and specifications
International projects may specify IEC 60076 rather than IEEE/ANSI C57, use different system frequencies, or follow a national utility standard. We check every option against the standard you specify and note where a unit was built to a different one. See our specification matching section and the specification glossary.
Logistics
Shipping a large transformer across borders involves ocean freight, port handling, heavy-haul road or rail, and permits in each country along the way. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated in 2014 that transport and logistics account for roughly 3% to 20% of the total cost of a large power transformer. We include transport in every comparison so delivery dates and costs are realistic.
Read how we run a search or start one.
FAQ
Common questions
Can you source internationally?
Yes. We source from qualified manufacturers worldwide and screen every transaction for sanctions, export controls and country-of-origin rules.
Do you work with foreign governments and national utilities?
Yes, subject to sanctions and export screening on every transaction.
Can you search for equipment built to IEC standards?
Yes. We search to IEC 60076 or IEEE/ANSI C57 depending on where the equipment will be installed, and note which standard each option was built to.
Tell us what you need.
A 15-minute call is usually enough to scope a search.
Contact details coming soon