Distribution Transformer Survey: Estimate of Energy Savings Potential from Mandatory Efficiency Standards Volume 1 (International)

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) secretary awarded Econoler this distribution transformer (DT) survey project in line with the APEC Regulatory Cooperation Process Mechanism on Trade-Related Standards and Technical Regulations.
The aims of the project are i) to analyze enablers for and barriers to introducing or raising mandatory minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for DTs in individual APEC member economies; ii) to review the experience, successes and failures of current Energy Efficiency Standards & Labels (EESLs) programs for DTs and identify the best practices across the APEC member economies; and iii) to provide a strategic framework for developing national roadmaps for introducing or raising mandatory MEPS for DTs and the design and implementation of such programs.
The International Copper Association (ICA), a member of the Copper Alliance, is the project manager on behalf of APEC for the project overseen by the China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS). The ICA awarded to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) a project linked to that of Econoler. Its goal was to evaluate the benefits of cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency of DTs in the APEC economies. Econoler and LBNL collaborated and developed possible synergies between the two projects.
The project was prompted by International Energy Agency (IEA) data, which stated that in APEC economies, the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses varied from 2.8% to 15.6% of final consumption. A third of these losses took place in DTs, which constituted a crucial component of the electricity supply system. Therefore, DTs represent a high potential for energy and cost savings in the APEC member economies.
The effective use of appropriate EESLs for DTs could lead to a global market with more efficient DT technologies, thereby having a positive impact on the global industry and generating continued CO2 emission reductions.
Currently, in the APEC region, the development of standards and labeling (S&L) for DTs is not following a uniform pattern. Some member economies, like Australia; US and Viet Nam have developed MEPS and/or labels to reduce energy consumption of DTs. These MEPS were made mandatory by certain mandated governmental organizations. Several other member economies have not yet established any S&L.
To introduce such mechanisms, the APEC member economies would face barriers which could decrease their impacts and hinder successful application of the S&L. These barriers may include the following categories: lack of definition, technology, cost, financing, economic analysis and procurement barriers. They can be overcome with help from some enablers that will facilitate introducing or raising the mandatory MEPS for DTs.