A Practical Guide for Utility, EPC, and Industrial Buyers
When sourcing stroomtransformatoren for utility networks, renewable energy projects, or industrial substations, German buyers are traditionally associated with domestic or European manufacturers. Germany is known for engineering excellence, strict technical standards, and conservative procurement practices.
However, in recent years, an important question has emerged in the global power equipment market:
Do German companies buy power transformers from China?
The short answer is: Yes — increasingly, and for very practical reasons.
The long answer is more nuanced, technical, and procurement-driven. That is exactly what this article explains.
1. Germany’s Transformer Demand Is Growing — and Changing
Germany’s energy landscape is undergoing a structural shift:
Rapid expansion of renewable energy (wind, solar, hybrid plants)
Grid reinforcement for energy transition (Energiewende)
Replacement of aging medium- and high-voltage transformers
Growing demand from industrial users, gegevenscentra, and EV infrastructure
These trends create strong demand for transformers in the range of:
6 kV – 35 kV distributietransformatoren
66 kV – 220 kV stroomtransformatoren
Special transformers for renewable integration and grid stability
At the same time, German and European manufacturers face:
Long delivery times (often 12–24 months)
High manufacturing costs
Limited flexibility for customized projects
This is where qualified Chinese manufacturers enter the picture.
2. Why German Buyers Consider Chinese Power Transformers
German procurement decisions are rarely driven by price alone. The real reasons include:
2.1 Comparable Technical Standards
Reputable Chinese transformer manufacturers design and test products according to:
IEC 60076
IEEE C57
EN / DIN references where required
Utility-specific technical specifications
For German buyers, compliance matters more than origin.
A transformer that passes:
Routine tests
Type tests
Special tests (temperature rise, impulse, short-circuit withstand)
…is technically acceptable, regardless of where it is manufactured.
2.2 Proven Export Experience to Europe
German companies do not buy from “unknown factories.”
They work with manufacturers who already supply:
Europa
Noord-Amerika
Middle East
Utility-scale renewable projects
Leading Chinese manufacturers export transformers up to 220 kV and 500 kV, with full documentation, FAT support, and third-party inspection acceptance (TÜV, SGS, BV).
2.3 Shorter Lead Times for Projects
Project-driven buyers care about delivery risk.
Chinese manufacturers often offer:
Shorter production cycles
Parallel manufacturing lines
Faster response to design changes
This is critical for:
EPC contractors
Grid expansion projects
Renewable energy developers facing grid-connection deadlines
2.4 Cost Transparency — Not Just Lower Cost
While cost competitiveness is real, German buyers focus on:
Total cost of ownership
Loss evaluation (no-load & load losses)
Maintenance strategy
Long-term reliability
Chinese manufacturers with strong engineering teams can optimize:
Core design
Copper/aluminum selection
Cooling configuration
Loss balance according to tender requirements
3. What German Procurement Teams Look for in a Chinese Supplier
Not all Chinese transformer manufacturers are suitable for Germany.
German buyers typically evaluate:
✔ Technical Capability
Voltage class: 6–500 kV
Power rating up to hundreds of MVA
OLTC / OCTC experience
Renewable energy applications
✔ Manufacturing Infrastructure
Dedicated HV workshops
In-house core cutting and winding
Vacuum oil treatment
Full routine and type test facilities
✔ Documentation Quality
Clear datasheets
Test reports
Drawings
English (or German) technical communication
✔ Quality & Compliance
ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001
IEC / IEEE conformity
Export references
✔ Long-Term Support
Warranty clarity
Technical support
Spare parts strategy
Read More：Power Transformers for UK Utilities: Benefits of Choosing Chinese Manufacturers
4. Typical Transformer Applications Supplied to Germany
Chinese power transformers are commonly considered for:
Wind and solar substations
Industriële onderstations
Grid reinforcement projects
Energy storage integration
Export-oriented EPC projects involving German companies
Voltage levels typically include:
5. Risk Control: How German Buyers Reduce Procurement Risk
German procurement is conservative — but systematic.
Typical risk mitigation includes:
Detailed technical clarification stage
Third-party inspection during manufacturing
Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
Strict documentation review
Step-by-step payment milestones
Chinese manufacturers experienced in European projects are fully familiar with this process.
Read More：How to Purchase Power Transformers from China: A Practical Guide for Germany and France
6. Why Evernew Transformer Is a Suitable Partner for German Buyers
Evernieuwde transformator is a professional power transformer manufacturer based in China, with:
Voltage coverage from 6 kV tot 500 kV
Oil-immersed and dry-type transformer solutions
Strong experience in export projects
Compliance with IEC and IEEE standards
Dedicated engineering and international sales teams
Our manufacturing facilities include:
High-voltage transformer workshops
Advanced testing equipment
Strict quality control processes
We support German and European clients with:
Technical clarification
Customized design
Project-oriented delivery
Long-term cooperation mindset
7. Final Answer: Do German Companies Buy Power Transformers from China?
Yes — when the manufacturer meets German technical, quality, and project requirements.
In today’s global power industry, procurement decisions are driven by:
Engineering capability
Naleving
Betrouwbaarheid
Delivery performance
Not geography.
Looking for a Reliable Power Transformer Supplier?
If you are sourcing medium- or high-voltage power transformers (6–500 kV) for Germany or European projects, Evernew Transformer would be pleased to support your technical and commercial evaluation.
📩 Contact us for technical datasheets, reference projects, or quotation support.
