Between boom and challenges - What lies ahead for the transformer industry

Adapting for Tomorrow: Thailand’s Power Grid and the Road to Resilience

S2E5 - Guests: Sitthakarn Prasomsup and Chairoj Panprommin (EGAT), Host: Bob Vary Thailand’s power grid is undergoing a major transformation. In this episode of POWER ON, host Bob Vary talks with leading experts Sitthakarn Prasomsup and Chairoj Panprommin from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) about strategies to balance reliability, renewable integration, and digitalization. The guests share insights into innovative projects such as expanding solar and hydropower, deploying advanced monitoring systems, and implementing predictive maintenance. They also discuss how regional cooperation – with countries like Laos and Malaysia – opens new opportunities for a sustainable energy future. Learn how Thailand is positioning itself as a regional hub and why technology, innovation, and collaboration are key to building a resilient grid. An inspiring episode for anyone interested in the future of energy.

From aging to agile: Midlife Refurbishment strategies for operators

S2E4 - Guest: Marc Foata - Asset Management Expert at MR & Secretary of the CIGRÉ Study Committee A2, Host: Christian Schaider ransformers that have been operating reliably for decades are increasingly coming into focus: Is it worth replacing them, or is there still potential in the existing technology? At a time when grids are being challenged by volatile feed-in and rising loads, life extension through Midlife Refurbishment is becoming increasingly important. Marc Foata, Asset Management Expert and Secretary of the CIGRÉ Study Committee A2, speaks with host Christian Schaider about the art of determining the right time for refurbishment—and why it’s not just about technology, but also about CO₂ balance sheets, regulatory requirements, and economic arguments. The episode discusses practical experiences, international differences in dealing with aging assets, and how condition assessment and health indices can help make well-founded decisions. Insights that demonstrate: Smart planning today can not only save costs but also ensure security of supply tomorrow.

OEM cooperations as driver for digitalization: Why and how partnerships can work

S2E3 - Guests: Peter Novak, Managing Director at KOLEKTOR ETRA and Sebastian Hilmer - Head of OEM Cooperations at MR, Host: Robert Vary As the energy landscape grows more complex, real-time data and digital solutions are becoming essential. In this episode of POWER ON, host Bob Vary speaks with Peter Novak, Managing Director at KOLEKTOR ETRA, and Sebastian Hilmer, Head of OEM Cooperations at MR, about how transformer manufacturers and system partners are collaborating to navigate growing complexity in the energy sector. They discuss how digitalization and standardization simplify processes, support faster development cycles, and improve the overall usability and efficiency of transformer systems. With insights into cooperation models and data-driven decision-making, the episode highlights how close collaboration enables smarter, more streamlined solutions.

Between boom and challenges - What lies ahead for the transformer industry

S2E2 - Guest: Christina Ipfelkofer -Market Intelligence expert at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, Host: Christian Schaider The electrification of end users, digitalization and the expansion of renewable energies are boosting our industry. Investments are being made worldwide in the extension of grids and ageing grids are being replaced. At the same time, the transformer industry is facing unprecedented challenges as it attempts to meet rising demand. In the conversation with Christian Schaider, Christina Ipfelkofer, Market Intelligence expert at MR, assesses the current market situation, provides insights into regional differences and describes the opportunities and challenges countries are facing around the world. The topics discussed include the booming demand for transformers, geopolitical decisions and which innovations will become more important in the coming years.

Transforming Austria’s Power Grid: How to balance Reliability and Renewables

S2E1 - Guest: Fredi Belavić - Asset Manager at Austrian Power Grid, Host: Bob Vary How do you ensure a reliable power supply while grids are transforming to meet future demands? In this episode of POWER ON, host Bob Vary, General Manager at Reinhausen Manufacturing, speaks with Fredi Belavić, Asset Manager at Austrian Power Grid (APG), about the challenges grid operators are facing—including balancing growing energy demands with the integration of renewables, managing extreme weather impacts, and overcoming infrastructure limitations in Austria’s unique geographical landscape. Belavić shares his insights on how APG uses AI and digital tools to analyze asset performance and extend the lifespan of critical equipment in high-voltage transmission. He also highlights key projects aimed at maintaining grid stability while advancing decarbonization to build a more sustainable energy future.