Transformers and the energy system transition

Sa？etak Having spent most of my career in the engineering and asset management of transformers working for National Grid in the UK, I have recently taken the opportunity of moving into the academic world as a professor at the University of Manchester. National Grid gave me fantastic opportunities to work with transformer manufacturers and see many transformer factories around the world. As well as having to understand how transformers fit into the wider transmission system and substations in particular, I had to play my part in ensuring they were reliable, safe and economic over their lifetimes. Through IEC (I had the great privilege of being chair of IEC TC14 2008-2017) and CIGRE, I was lucky enough to be able to work with colleagues from other utilities, academics and suppliers, to help the industry with standards and research, something I hope to continue doing as well as taking the opportunity to develop a broader view