

The device throttling the world’s electrified future: Bottlenecks Series
7 snips May 29, 2025
Oscar Boyd, producer of the Zero podcast, joins to discuss the alarming bottleneck stalling our electrified future: a global transformer shortage. He dives into the complexities of transformer supply and the extended delivery timelines that are derailing energy projects. Boyd highlights the crucial role of electrification in decarbonization and the unexpected challenges posed by outdated regulations and manufacturing limitations. This conversation sheds light on why our push for clean energy is slower than anticipated, sparking important considerations for policymakers!
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Electrification's Key Role
- Electrifying everything and decarbonizing the grid are key to fighting climate change.
- Electricity is efficient and using renewables makes this path promising but complex.
Why Electrification Lags
- Despite electrical devices' efficiency and environmental benefits, electrification is slow.
- Challenges include managing electricity, storage issues, and high electricity costs in places like the UK.
Transformers Power the Grid
- Transformers are crucial devices that enable efficient electricity transmission by adjusting voltage.
- They convert voltage up for long-distance travel and down for safe use in homes and industries.