POWER ON - The Reinhausen Podcast

ransformers that have been operating reliably for decades are increasingly coming into focus: Is it worth replacing them, or is there still potential in the existing technology? At a time when grids are being challenged by volatile feed-in and rising loads, life extension through Midlife Refurbishment is becoming increasingly important. Marc Foata, Asset Management Expert and Secretary of the CIGRÉ Study Committee A2, speaks with host Christian Schaider about the art of determining the right time for refurbishment—and why it’s not just about technology, but also about CO₂ balance sheets, regulatory requirements, and economic arguments. The episode discusses practical experiences, international differences in dealing with aging assets, and how condition assessment and health indices can help make well-founded decisions. Insights that demonstrate: Smart planning today can not only save costs but also ensure security of supply tomorrow.

As the energy landscape grows more complex, real-time data and digital solutions are becoming essential. In this episode of POWER ON, host Bob Vary speaks with Peter Novak, Managing Director at KOLEKTOR ETRA, and Sebastian Hilmer, Head of OEM Cooperations at MR, about how transformer manufacturers and system partners are collaborating to navigate growing complexity in the energy sector. They discuss how digitalization and standardization simplify processes, support faster development cycles, and improve the overall usability and efficiency of transformer systems. With insights into cooperation models and data-driven decision-making, the episode highlights how close collaboration enables smarter, more streamlined solutions.

The electrification of end users, digitalization and the expansion of renewable energies are boosting our industry. Investments are being made worldwide in the extension of grids and ageing grids are being replaced. At the same time, the transformer industry is facing unprecedented challenges as it attempts to meet rising demand. In the conversation with Christian Schaider, Christina Ipfelkofer, Market Intelligence expert at MR, assesses the current market situation, provides insights into regional differences and describes the opportunities and challenges countries are facing around the world. The topics discussed include the booming demand for transformers, geopolitical decisions and which innovations will become more important in the coming years.

How do you ensure a reliable power supply while grids are transforming to meet future demands? In this episode of POWER ON, host Bob Vary, General Manager at Reinhausen Manufacturing, speaks with Fredi Belavić, Asset Manager at Austrian Power Grid (APG), about the challenges grid operators are facing—including balancing growing energy demands with the integration of renewables, managing extreme weather impacts, and overcoming infrastructure limitations in Austria’s unique geographical landscape. Belavić shares his insights on how APG uses AI and digital tools to analyze asset performance and extend the lifespan of critical equipment in high-voltage transmission. He also highlights key projects aimed at maintaining grid stability while advancing decarbonization to build a more sustainable energy future.

To decarbonize carbon-intensive industries, green hydrogen-produced through renewable energy-powered water electrolysis—offers a promising solution. Helton Bezerra, expert on green hydrogen at MR, explains why this green molecule could play a major role in powering our sustainable future. Starting with the basics, he explains what hydrogen and green hydrogen are and their various applications in decarbonizing industries. In their conversation, Helton Bezerra and host Christian Schaider discuss recent advancements in scaling electrolysers and standardization, as well as the challenges that remain.

Aging assets in the grid are not uncommon - utilities and grid operators know this. However, replacements and upgrades are expensive and delivery times are long. In order to be able to use assets for as long as possible and extend their lifespan, suitable strategies are needed, which must be based on a clear picture of the condition of the fleet. Alexei Babizki, Head of Solution Innovation at MR, provides insight into the optimal condition assessment of transformers. In his conversation with Christian Schaider, he explains which solutions can be used to calculate and reduce risk of failure.

The analysis and utilization of transformer data is becoming increasingly important, due to a growing knowledge gap in the context of increasing staff retirements, coupled with the challenges of managing a mixed transformer fleet. In this episode, Tobias Gruber, expert for transformer automation at MR, provides insight into the application of advanced machine learning algorithms to predict and mitigate potential failures in power transformers. He also describes the role of cybersecurity in the design of critical infrastructure systems, ensuring effective assessment and long-term reliability.

Grid planners and operators face a major task in the coming years: electricity grids need to be strengthened and expanded in order to be prepared for the future. This is because the regulation of distribution grids plays a key role worldwide in the efficient and sustainable use of energy and the reliable supply of energy. In this episode, Franco Pizzutto, Business Development Manager for voltage regulating distribution transformers at MR, shares with Christian Schaider his extensive knowledge of technological advances and strategic approaches that can be used to optimize distribution grid management.

Insulating liquids in power transformers provide insulation, cooling and protection. But they can do even more - namely provide information about the "state of health" of the transformer. This requires regular professional sampling and analysis of oil samples. After all, the more regular the testing, the more accurately trends can be identified and problems solved at an early stage. Oliver Reetz is an expert for intelligent sensors at MR and knows what issues operators are dealing with in times of staff shortages and voltage fluctuations caused by renewable energies. In an interview with Christian Schaider, he talks about his experiences and how intelligent technologies can provide support.

Wilfried Breuer has been Managing Director at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen since 2019 and looks back on over 30 years of experience in various management positions at international manufacturers and operators in the energy sector. To kick off the first season, the electrical engineering expert talks to Christian Schaider about how the electricity industry has changed in recent years due to the growth of renewable energy and why it is continuing to gain momentum as a result of ambitious climate targets. He talks about what he sees as the biggest challenges the industry is currently facing, as well as trends and visions for the future. Wilfried Breuer also explains the meaning behind the term "MR is more".

POWER ON - This is the podcast for everyone who is interested in trends and challenges of the energy sector or who works in the field of energy technology. As host, industry expert Christian Schaider welcomes experts to talk about topics related to the energy transition, the transformer and new technologies in energy generation. In fascinating discussions, they explain how a stable and cost-effective energy supply can be ensured worldwide and answer questions such as: What a transformer oil sample has in common with the human blood count, why the energy transition is taking place in the distribution grids and how green hydrogen will complement the power supply in the future. Stay tuned, and be sure to join us when we power on!