Regulation 2014/548 - Implementing Directive 2009/125/EC with regard to small, medium and large power transformers - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 152/1

The Commission has carried out a preparatory study that analysed the environmental and economic aspects of transformers. The study was developed together with stakeholders and interested parties from the Union and the results have been have made publicly available. Transformers are considered as energy related products within the meaning of Article 2(1) of Directive 2009/125/EC.

The study showed that energy in the use phase is the most significant environmental aspect that can be addressed through product design. Significant amounts of raw materials (copper, iron, resin, aluminium) are used in the manufacturing of transformers, but market mechanisms seem to be ensuring an adequate end-of-life treatment, and therefore it is not necessary to establish related ecodesign requirements.

Ecodesign requirements set out in Annex I apply to products placed on the market or put into service wherever they are installed. Therefore such requirements cannot be made dependant on the application in which the product is used.

Transformers are usually purchased under framework agreements. In this context, purchase refers to the act of contracting with the manufacturer for the delivery of a given volume of transformers. The contract is deemed to have come into force on the date of signature by the parties.

Certain categories of transformers should not be covered by this Regulation, due to their specific function,. The energy consumption and saving potential of such transformers is negligible compared to other transformers.

Regulatory concessions are granted because of the weight limitations for mounting transformers on utility poles. In order to avoid misuse of transformers specifically manufactured for pole-mounted operation, they should include a visible display ‘For pole-mounted operation only’, so as to facilitate the work of national market surveillance authorities.

Regulatory concessions are granted to transformers equipped with equipment capable of performing voltage regulation functions to integrate distributed generation from renewable sources into the distribution grid. Such concessions should gradually be phased out as this emerging technology matures and measurement standards become available to separate the losses associated to the core transformer from those associated to the equipment performing additional functions.

Ecodesign requirements for the energy performance/efficiency of medium power transformers and for the energy efficiency of large power transformers should be set with a view to harmonising ecodesign requirements for these devices throughout the Union. Such requirements would also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market and to improving Member States' environmental performance.

Establishment of ecodesign requirements for medium and large power transformers is also necessary to increase the market penetration of technologies and design options improving their energy performance or efficiency. Total losses of the transformers fleet in the EU27 in 2008...