Transformer lead times have rightly become one of the biggest discussions across the power sector. Manufacturers, utilities and policymakers all recognise the importance of increasing production capacity to meet growing demand. 

However, another challenge is beginning to attract equal attention. 

Switchgear is becoming an increasingly important factor in the delivery of transmission and distribution projects. As utilities expand networks, integrate renewable generation and modernise substations, the availability of switchgear is becoming just as critical as the availability of transformers themselves. 

For many projects, neither can move forward without the other. 

Demand is accelerating across every sector 

Electrification is increasing demand across industries that traditionally operated independently. 

Grid reinforcement, offshore wind, battery storage, industrial decarbonisation, rail electrification, EV charging infrastructure and data centres all require reliable switching and protection equipment. 

The result is sustained pressure on manufacturers across medium and high voltage product categories. 

Rather than isolated procurement exercises, utilities are now managing portfolios of simultaneous infrastructure projects, all competing for similar manufacturing capacity. 

More than a manufacturing challenge 

Supply constraints are only one part of the picture. 

Modern switchgear is becoming increasingly sophisticated, combining protection systems, communications, sensors and digital monitoring into integrated solutions that support smarter substations. 

Utilities are looking beyond traditional equipment specifications towards solutions that improve operational visibility, reduce maintenance requirements and support predictive asset management. 

Manufacturers are therefore balancing higher production volumes with increasing product complexity. 

The move away from SF₆ 

One of the biggest changes influencing the market is the industry's transition away from sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆). 

As regulations continue to evolve, manufacturers are investing heavily in alternative technologies including vacuum interruption and new insulating media. 

For utilities, the challenge extends beyond selecting compliant equipment. 

Questions around lifecycle performance, maintenance requirements, installation practices, interoperability and total cost of ownership are becoming central to procurement decisions. 

Early adopters are helping establish confidence, but many operators are still evaluating which technologies best suit their long-term asset strategies. 

Standardisation could unlock faster delivery 

One lesson emerging across both transformer and switchgear manufacturing is the value of standardisation. 

Highly customised equipment increases engineering effort, extends design cycles and limits manufacturing efficiency. 

Where practical, standardised platforms can help manufacturers improve throughput while giving utilities greater confidence in delivery schedules and future maintenance. 

This does not mean compromising technical performance. 

Instead, it means identifying where standardisation creates repeatability while still allowing flexibility for project-specific requirements. 

Digitalisation starts in the factory 

Smart grids begin long before equipment reaches a substation. 

Manufacturers are increasingly embedding digital capabilities during production through integrated sensors, condition monitoring and factory data that supports future asset management. 

This creates opportunities for utilities to collect richer operational data throughout an asset's lifetime while improving maintenance planning and reducing unexpected failures. 

The conversation is therefore shifting from simply buying equipment towards building long-term digital infrastructure. 

Collaboration across the value chain 

No single organisation can solve today's delivery challenges alone. Utilities need greater visibility into manufacturing capacity. Manufacturers need earlier project planning. Component suppliers require stronger demand forecasting. 

Technology providers continue to develop solutions that improve production efficiency, quality assurance and testing. 

Closer collaboration across the value chain helps reduce uncertainty for every stakeholder while improving resilience across future projects. 

A broader opportunity for the industry 

Switchgear represents more than another equipment category. 

It sits alongside transformers, protection systems, monitoring technologies and digital infrastructure at the centre of Europe's energy transition. 

As the industry works to expand network capacity, improve resilience and connect increasing levels of renewable generation, conversations around switchgear will become increasingly strategic. 

This presents an opportunity for manufacturers, utilities, EPCs and technology providers to share knowledge, compare approaches and identify practical solutions together. 

That is precisely where CWIEME Berlin can add value. 

By bringing together the companies designing, manufacturing and deploying the technologies that underpin modern power systems, the event creates a platform where technical challenges become collaborative solutions. 

Transformer availability will remain a major priority, but it should no longer be the only supply chain conversation. 

The projects that define the next decade of electrification will depend on complete systems, not individual components. As demand continues to grow, switchgear is set to become one of the industry's most important discussions.