RETROTRAFO is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under the Grant Agreement no 101182948 of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges Action (MSCA-SE).

The RETROTRAFO project will develop research on transformer retrofilling with alternative or recycled insulating liquids. This technique is based on the replacement of the mineral oil of a transformer in service with a biodegradable and less-flammable fluid. The procedure would lead to safer and more environmentally friendly transformers and could allow the application of higher loads, deferring the replacement of equipment in service. However, the technique has not been sufficiently studied, it is needed to evaluate the impact of retrofilling on the operation of the transformer and to assess its economic and technical feasibility. Project's researchers have applied the circular economy concept to power transformers in various ways during project definition:

a) Evaluating the efficient use of materials throughout a transformer's life cycle (renewable or re-refined oils instead of conventional oils)

b) Lifetime extension through dielectric and thermal design review and guidance on operation and maintenance.

The results of the research will be disseminated among specialized and non-specialized audiences, through broad different channels and considering the commercial exploitation of the results obtained. The project will also carry out tasks of knowledge transfer generated for this purpose. Moreover, the training aspects of the research personnel involved in the project will be taken care of in order to boost their careers.

To this end, a complementary high-quality consortium of twenty eight partners has been formed, 11 of which belong to the EU. All of them have knowledge and proven experience in the field of study. Twenty two of the partners belong to the academic sector and six are companies (manufacturer of power transformers, utility services, transformer condition diagnostics, and oil manufacturing).