Across Europe, investment in electrification is accelerating. Grid operators are expanding infrastructure, manufacturers are scaling electric motor production, and the demand for high-efficiency transformers continues to rise. Behind all of this sits a core capability that defines performance, reliability, and long-term resilience: coil winding.

As the global home of coil winding, CWIEME Berlin brings together the engineers, procurement leaders, and R&D specialists shaping this next chapter. And moving into 2026, the expectations placed on precision winding have never been higher.

The new performance frontier

For engineers working on live projects — and 69% of CWIEME’s audience are doing exactly that — coil winding is now a strategic investment rather than simply a manufacturing step. High-density winding for transformers, optimised motor windings for EV platforms, and advanced insulation systems are becoming essential to hit efficiency targets and meet regulatory pressures. These aren’t incremental upgrades; they directly influence system performance, heat behaviour, and lifecycle reliability. 

Beyond headline efficiency gains, engineers are increasingly balancing electromagnetic optimisation against thermal limits, partial discharge risk, and mechanical integrity under short-circuit forces. Decisions around conductor geometry, winding tension, impregnation methods, and insulation coordination now have system-level consequences — particularly in compact transformer designs and high-speed electric motors. These are no longer incremental upgrades; they directly influence heat behaviour, reliability, and lifecycle performance.

Meeting Europe’s energy challenges

As utilities integrate large volumes of renewables and prepare for future load growth, transformer performance is under a closer scrutiny than ever. Coil winding design is central to minimising losses and strengthening grid stability. 

At the same time, automotive manufacturers are pushing for compact, robust motor designs that deliver more power with less energy consumption. Across Europe, tighter efficiency standards, grid-code compliance requirements, and lifecycle performance expectations are raising the bar for winding quality. From reducing no-load and load losses in distribution transformers to meeting durability and reliability targets in automotive applications, winding design has become a frontline compliance issue — not a downstream optimisation.

This rapid evolution presents both pressure and opportunity. Components must perform under tougher conditions. Lead times need to shorten. Materials must support sustainability commitments. And engineers need access to a broader, more innovative supply chain.

Technology shaping the year ahead

In 2026, the most impactful developments in coil winding will come from:

• Automation and precision control

Next-generation machines offer adaptive winding, reduced variability, and improved throughput — key for both EV and transformer applications.

• Material innovation

Optimised conductors, enhanced insulation materials and advanced magnetic components are becoming critical levers in design efficiency.

• Digital engineering

Simulation, thermal modelling and digital collaboration tools are enabling faster, more accurate design cycles.

• Sustainability-driven choices

Recyclability, material efficiency and reduced energy losses are influencing specification decisions across the value chain.

Where the industry connects

CWIEME Berlin remains the only event of its scale where the entire coil winding ecosystem meets under one roof. Engineers and technical leads gain direct access to suppliers, machinery specialists, and peers shaping market direction. Exhibitors benefit from an audience actively working on sourcing decisions, with 83% of engineering, procurement, and R&D attendees involved in purchasing activities.

In one venue, the community can compare technologies, evaluate materials, discuss standards, and build connections that support long-term, strategic projects.

Why coil winding will stay in focus

As Europe pushes towards a more electrified and resilient energy system, coil winding becomes more than a manufacturing discipline — it becomes a critical capability driving performance and competitiveness. Organisations that understand the value of precision, innovation, and collaboration will be best positioned to lead.

And in 2026, CWIEME Berlin is where these conversations will come to life.
 

About the Author

Saifa Khalid

Senior Analyst - Power Grid Team Lead at PTR Inc.