Recently, at a dismantling base in East China's Zhejiang, 53 decommissioned transformers entered the full dismantling process. Using specialized equipment, the transformer casing is efficiently dismantled, and core components such as silicon steel sheets and copper windings are sorted by material. This is an important practice for State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power to deepen the reform of reverse logistics of waste materials.
"The traditional disposal model has three key risks: self-pumped oil extraction can cause environmental pollution, full-equipment auctions risk refurbished transformers re-entering the market, and the dismantling process lacks professional oversight," relevant staff of the company said. Since the company implemented the new model of "third-party professional dismantling + raw material bidding and auction" in 2023, it has established a full-chain management system of "qualification review-professional dismantling-three-party witness" to completely solve industry problems, increase dismantling efficiency by 50%, and increase disposal income by 8%.

Transformer disposal follows three key steps: oil extraction, auction, and dismantling. Third-party service providers, selected through public bidding, handle transformer waste oil extraction and disassembly while implementing environmental safeguards to prevent pollution. Transformers cannot be restored after dismantling, eliminating the possibility of returning to the market. However, the dismantled transformer waste oil, silicon steel sheets, copper windings and other waste materials can be reprocessed according to market needs, creating good conditions for the recycling of renewable resources and effectively realizing comprehensive conservation and utilization of resources. It can be said that it kills multiple birds with one stone. Since the pilot program began in 2024, waste material recycling efficiency has risen by 43%, while distribution resource utilization has improved by 24%.

At the same time, in terms of building a green recycling system, State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power has developed a comprehensive recycling system, including a "particle return to warehouse" network, door-to-door dismantling services for large equipment, vehicle-mounted micro-warehouses for instant recycling, and smart storage cabinets for small and medium-sized materials—all monitored in real time using IoT technology.

Next, State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power aims to shift from basic dismantling to high-value material repurposing, further supporting the development of sustainable power systems.