Research on the Carbon Footprint Accounting Method of Transformer’s Whole Life Cycle Under the Background of Double Carbon

Wei Li, Yifan Bian, Yunyun Zhang, Erbiao Zhou () and Lirong Xie
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Wei Li: Economic and Technical Research Institute of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Urumqi 830018, China
Yifan Bian: School of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Yunyun Zhang: Economic and Technical Research Institute of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Urumqi 830018, China
Erbiao Zhou: Economic and Technical Research Institute of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Urumqi 830018, China
Lirong Xie: School of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: In response to the existing gaps in the carbon footprint assessment framework for core electrical equipment transformers, which impedes power companies from effectively supporting low-carbon procurement of materials and products, this study proposes a novel evaluation method for transformer carbon footprints. This method comprehensively considers all stages of the transformer lifecycle, including manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and decommissioning. A review of mainstream carbon footprint accounting schemes, both domestic and international, is first presented, summarizing established accounting methods and calculation processes. The paper then introduces a novel, integrated carbon footprint accounting approach for transformers, covering the entire ‘cradle-to-grave’ lifecycle, along with an associated calculation model. This framework analyzes the carbon footprint composition across production, assembly, transportation, usage, and recycling stages for four commonly used, high-efficiency transformers at State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Company, the carbon footprint of an oil-immersed 100 kVA/10 kV transformer is 2.353 × 106 kg CO 2 e, approximately half that of a conventional 100 kVA/10 kV transformer. Finally, the study provides recommendations for carbon reduction pathways for transformers, considering both functional substitution and technological carbon reduction strategies.

Keywords: transformer; carbon footprint; life cycle assessment; oil-immersed transformer; dry-type transformer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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