Building the future grid: Why the UK is ready to lead the solid-state transformer revolution

By Dr Usman Nasir

Over many years working at the sharp end of power electronics, I’ve had a front-row seat to how quickly the demands on our energy systems are outpacing the hardware built to support them – and it’s clear we’re in the middle of a fundamental shift that’s impossible to ignore.

The UK’s electricity grid is no longer a static network built for one-way power flows – we are rapidly moving toward a world where power must flow dynamically, intelligently, and with precision control. There’s a tech revolution underway: electrification of transport, mass deployment of renewables, large-scale battery storage, and the rise of digital-intensive sectors like data centres are all reshaping our power infrastructure. 

Critical to this transition is technology that moves beyond traditional electrical equipment, and solid-state transformers (SSTs) are one such game changer, and I believe the UK is uniquely positioned to turn SSTs from a technical promise into a practical reality. 

Solid-state transformers perform the familiar job of voltage conversion, but they are using advanced power electronics and digital control. That matters – because it means SSTs don’t just pass power through, they actively manage it. 

So what does that mean in practical terms and what do they actually enable?  

• Dynamic voltage regulation – better power quality at the point of connection. 

• Bidirectional power flow – essential for renewables and energy storage. 

• Direct DC connectivity – reducing conversion losses and simplifying infrastructure
• Local grid support services – improving resilience and flexibility.
• Reduced physical footprint – easier installation in constrained spaces like urban substations or transport hubs. 

For example, SSTs can be deployed at EV charging hubs built for 600V-800V outputs, enabling ultra-rapid charging with renewable energy directly on site, or at rail substations where power must be delivered reliably under rapidly changing load conditions. They make the grid both smarter and stronger.  

To make SSTs a practical part of the UK’s energy landscape, we need a realistic but ambitious roadmap. 

First, we need targeted demonstrators. We already have the baseline SST building blocks – but systems need to be matured, tested, and validated in real operational conditions. Carefully selected pilot deployments, co-located with conventional infrastructure, will allow us to mature designs and de-risk technology before wider roll-out.  

Second, network operators must be involved early. National Grid and regional distribution operators understand the complexities of protection, control and operational integration. Early collaboration will ensure that SSTs meet the real-world requirements of grid operations before design options are locked in. 

Third, we must continue design innovation and supply chain development. Advances in power semiconductor devices, packaging technologies, and digital control systems will push SST capabilities forward. We can develop a UK supply chain ecosystem that moves from advanced prototypes to pilot manufacture, and ultimately to competitive production. 

And finally, we need clear use cases. SSTs are not a drop-in replacement for every transformer everywhere – but where grid flexibility, space constraints, or emerging DC connectivity needs drive real value, early adoption will unlock tangible benefits.