New policy brief outlines policy enablers for the deployment of solid-state transformers

The policy brief, developed within the EU-funded SSTAR project, analyses the environmental, economic and social conditions affecting the deployment of high-voltage solid-state transformers (SSTs) across their full lifecycle.

From an environmental perspective, the analysis shows that most impacts occur during the operational phase, highlighting the importance of renewable-based electricity mixes to fully realise potential climate benefits. It also underlines the need for stronger recycling and material recovery standards to reduce environmental impacts at the end of life.

From an economic perspective, the brief explains that SSTs are still at an early development stage and are not yet cost-competitive with conventional transformers in all applications. However, it identifies specific use cases—such as transport systems, DC networks and applications requiring advanced controllability—where SSTs can already offer clear advantages. Continued investment in research, industrialisation, standardisation and demonstration projects is therefore critical to support market uptake.

The policy brief also addresses the social implications of SST deployment, underlining the need for responsible supply chains, workforce development and stakeholder engagement. Safer designs and the use of biobased insulation materials can reduce risks for workers and local communities, while broader deployment could support skills development and innovation in the energy sector.

The conclusions emphasise that the successful deployment of SSTs depends not only on technological progress, but also on supportive policy frameworks that promote renewable-based electricity systems, targeted R&D and industrial investment, and social responsibility and skills development. A coordinated, long-term approach is essential to enable SSTs to contribute effectively to the energy transition.

SSTs are an advanced alternative to conventional transformers, combining power electronics and digital control to enable greater flexibility, improved efficiency and easier integration of renewable energy sources. While their technical potential is increasingly recognised, their large-scale deployment ultimately depends on the environmental, economic and social conditions outlined in this policy brief.

Download the policy brief here

Photo by Zey Ngobese on Unsplash

Contacts:

Project coordinator:

Jonatan Peris Rivas, CIRCE, jperis@fcirce.es

Communication Manager:
Ilaria Bonetti, ICONS ilaria.bonetti@icons.it

Erika Novellini, ICONS erika.novellini@icons.it

Simona Serramondi, ICONS simona.serramondi@icons.it

Project website: https://sstar-project.eu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sstar-project/

Provided by iCube Programme