Shunt Reactor Market 2023 Outlook By Product, Trends and Forecast To 2024-2032

Shunt Reactor Market Valuation – 2024-2031

The growing demand for shunt reactors arises from their importance in improving the efficiency and reliability of electrical power transmission systems. Shunt reactors are typically used to adjust for capacitive reactive power in high-voltage power transmission lines. As electricity is transported over long distances, particularly in high-voltage lines, capacitive reactance can cause voltage levels to skyrocket. This phenomenon, known as voltage instability can harm equipment and cause power supply outages by enabling the market to surpass a revenue of USD 3.05 Billion valued in 2024 and reach a valuation of around USD 4.39 Billion by 2031.

Power grid management is becoming more difficult as the demand for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power grows. These sources frequently generate power intermittently and in remote regions necessitating large transmission infrastructure to provide electricity to urban areas and industrial centers. Shunt reactors help to preserve grid stability by reducing voltage variations caused by renewable energy sources fluctuating output by enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 4.68% from 2024 to 2031. 

Shunt Reactor Market: Definition/ Overview

A shunt reactor is a device in electrical power systems that regulates voltage levels. It is formed out of a coil of wire twisted around a magnetic core such as iron. When electricity flows over power lines, voltage levels can vary depending on distance and load demand. A shunt reactor is linked in parallel (shunt connection) to the transmission lines and functions as an adjustable electrical load.

A shunt reactor is an electrical power transmission device that stabilizes voltage levels and improves grid efficiency. It operates by absorbing surplus reactive power created by long transmission lines, particularly during low-demand periods when power flow is low. This reactive power, if not managed appropriately, can cause voltage instability and inefficient energy transmission. By absorbing excess reactive power, shunt reactors help to maintain a steady voltage level throughout the grid allowing electricity to be transported effectively without causing equipment damage or service disruption.

Shunt reactors also contribute significantly to increased power transmission efficiency. By controlling voltage levels, they limit the amount of energy wasted during transmission which is analogous to minimizing leaks in a water pipe system. This efficiency gain results in cost savings and a more stable power supply for consumers.

Will the Increasing Power Generation Capacity Drive the Shunt Reactor Market?

The rising power generation capacity is a major driver of the shunt reactor market. As global energy demand grows, governments around the world are expanding their power-producing infrastructure to satisfy it. This growth frequently includes the incorporation of renewable energy sources which can cause voltage swings and reactive power difficulties in transmission systems. Shunt reactors play an important role in addressing these issues by promoting voltage stability and improving power quality.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global electricity demand will increase by 2.1% per year from 2022 to 2024 necessitating significant investments in power transmission and distribution infrastructure. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that utility-scale electricity generation capacity in the United States alone increased by approximately 14.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2021.

Will the High Initial Cost of Installation Hamper the Shunt Reactor Market?

The high initial cost of installation may standstill the growth of the shunt reactor business especially in regions with limited financial resources or where the long-term benefits are not immediately obvious. Shunt reactors while critical for preserving power quality and system stability in electrical grids can demand a considerable initial investment. This covers not just the reactor’s cost but also expenses for site preparation, installation, and connection with existing infrastructure. These expenses can be prohibitively high for smaller utilities and developing countries, thus limiting industry progress. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, the return on investment may take several years to manifest making it difficult for decision-makers to justify the expense, especially when faced with competing priorities and restricted budgets.

It is crucial to note that the impact of high installation costs can be minimized by a variety of factors. First, as power systems throughout the world expand and incorporate more renewable energy sources, the requirement for reactive power adjustment grows. This increased demand may encourage innovation and economies of scale in manufacturing ultimately resulting in cost savings over time. Second, the long-term benefits of shunt reactors such as improved grid stability, lower power losses, and better voltage control can result in significant operational cost savings and increased reliability. Many utilities and grid operators may find that these considerations negate their initial investment. Furthermore, as awareness of the need for grid stability rises, there may be increased government support and incentives for investing in such technology.

Category-Wise Acumens

Will Higher Efficiency and Better Cooling Capabilities Drive Growth in the Type Segment?

Liquid-type shunt reactors are more prevalent due to their improved efficiency and superior cooling capabilities. They can withstand higher voltage levels and power capacity making them appropriate for large-scale power networks and heavy industrial applications. The liquid coolant effectively dissipates heat keeping the reactor’s performance steady over time.

They effectively reduce power losses ensuring that the given electricity is used efficiently. This efficiency is critical for power networks which are being pushed to their limits by increased electrical demands from residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Liquid-type shunt reactors contribute to lower operational costs and improved power grid performance by eliminating energy waste. Furthermore, the great efficiency of these reactors is consistent with worldwide trends toward energy saving and sustainability making them a popular choice in the market.

The increasing efficiency and cooling capacities of liquid-type shunt reactors are key elements driving their expansion in the type category. Their capacity to improve energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and ensure consistent performance makes them an appealing option for utility companies and enterprises around the world. As demand for stable and efficient power systems grows, the liquid-type shunt reactor market is predicted to rise rapidly owing to these important features.

Will the Widespread Use in Stabilizing Voltage Levels in Electrical Grids Drive the Application Segment?

Fixed reactors are widely employed in power systems for voltage regulation and stability making them an essential component of electrical grid management. These reactors are permanently connected to the grid and serve an important role in ensuring a constant voltage level minimizing fluctuations that could harm equipment or cause inefficiency. Their capacity to provide continuous voltage control without the need for regular modifications makes them extremely dependable and critical for guaranteeing the smooth running of power networks. This dependability and stability are crucial in areas with changing power demands making fixed reactors the favored choice for many utilities and grid operators.

Fixed reactors’ dominance stems from their simplicity and robustness. They have fewer moving components and require less maintenance than variable reactors which results in cheaper long-term operational expenses. This cost-effectiveness is particularly advantageous for large-scale power transmission and distribution networks that demand steady performance with low downtime. Fixed reactor’s lengthy service life and low maintenance requirements make them an appealing choice for grid operators wishing to invest in dependable infrastructure. Furthermore, their simple form facilitates integration into current systems reinforcing their commercial position.

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Country/Region-wise Acumens

Will Rapid Industrialization Drive the Market in the Asia Pacific Region?

The Asia Pacific region is expected to be a major driver of growth in the shunt reactor market owing to fast industrialization and rising energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy demand in Southeast Asia is expected to increase by an average of 4% per year until 2030 more than doubling the global average. This increase in demand is driven mostly by industrial expansion, urbanization, and growing living standards throughout the region. China and India, in particular, are likely to drive a significant share of this development.

Several reasons contribute to Asia Pacific’s dominant position in the shunt reactor market. To begin, large expenditures in power infrastructure to support industrial expansion are driving increasing demand for power-quality equipment such as shunt reactors. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts that the area will need to invest $14.7 trillion in electrical infrastructure between 2016 and 2030 to sustain its current development rate. Second, the growing integration of renewable energy sources into the grid particularly wind and solar necessitates the employment of shunt reactors to control voltage swings. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Asia accounted for 64% of global new renewable energy capacity additions in 2020.

Will the Increasing Electricity Consumption Across Residential Sectors Drive the Market in the North American Region?

The increasing consumption of power in the residential sector is expected to drive the shunt reactor market in North America. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), home electricity usage in the United States is expected to increase gradually in the future years. In 2020, the residential sector accounted for approximately 39% of total US electricity consumption, and this figure is likely to climb even more. According to the US Department of Energy, the average annual electricity use for a residential utility customer in 2020 was 10,715 kilowatt-hours (kWh). This figure has gradually risen over time owing to reasons such as population expansion, increased usage of electronic gadgets, and the introduction of electric vehicles.

Variable shunt reactors are expected to be the fastest-growing section of the North American shunt reactor market. This is primarily due to the increased integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid as well as the demand for more flexible and efficient power transmission systems. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy capacity in North America is predicted to increase by more than 440 GW between 2023 and 2027 accounting for about 75% of the region’s capacity growth. Variable shunt reactors provide substantial advantages over fixed shunt reactors for controlling voltage changes induced by intermittent renewable energy sources.

Competitive Landscape

The shunt reactor market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support. The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions.

Some of the prominent players operating in the shunt reactor market include:

• Mitsubishi Corporation
• Fuji Electric
• Hd Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
• Tbea
• Hilkar
• Toshiba Corporation
• Siemens Ag
• Ge Grid Solution

Latest Developments

• In September 2022, ABB agreed to divest its 19.9% ownership in Hitachi ABB Power Grids, a joint venture created in 2020.
• In March 2022, Siemens Energy sold its 35% investment in the joint venture Voith Hydro (previously Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation). This purchase gives Voith Group complete ownership of the Voith Hydro Group Division.

Report Scope