"It's just one example of a crisis facing the U.S. power grid that can't be solved simply by building more power lines, approving new power generation, or changing out grid software. The equipment needed to keep the grid running-transformers that regulate voltage, circuit breakers that protect against faults, high-voltage cables that carry power across regions, and steel poles that hold the network together-is hard to make, and materials are limited. Supply-chain bottlenecks are taking years to clear, delaying projects, inflating costs, and threatening reliability."
"Transformers are key to the electricity grid: They regulate voltage as power travels across the wires, increasing voltage for more efficient long-distance transmission, and decreasing it for medium-distance travel and again for delivery to buildings. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that the U.S. has about 60 million to 80 million high-voltage distribution transformers in service. More than half of them are 33-plus years old -approaching or exceeding their expected lifespans."
Two new data centers cannot operate because required electrical equipment is unavailable. Critical grid components—transformers, circuit breakers, high-voltage cables, and steel poles—are difficult to manufacture and face material limits. Supply-chain bottlenecks are causing multiyear delays, project postponements, and cost inflation. U.S. electricity demand is rising due to electrification of appliances, increased domestic manufacturing, and expansion of AI data centers. Many transformers are aging; more than half of roughly 60 to 80 million high-voltage distribution transformers exceed 33 years. Transformer prices have risen four-to-sixfold since before 2022 and extended lead times threaten reliability and project timelines.
Read at Fast Company
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