Powering the Renewable Energy Transition: ITL Current Transformers for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm

Supporting reliable electrical measurement and protection for one of the UK's major offshore wind projects.

The transition to renewable energy depends not only on generating wind power, but also on the advanced electrical infrastructure needed to transmit it efficiently and reliably.

Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL) is proud to supply current transformers for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm's onshore and offshore HVDC converter station infrastructure to UK Grid Solutions,, a long-term customer, supporting a landmark renewable energy development off the north-east coast of England.

With a generating capacity of 1.4 GW, Sofia represents a significant investment in the UK's renewable energy future. Its advanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system is designed to transport electricity from offshore wind turbines to the national electricity network.

Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Engineering at scale

Located on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, about 195 km off England's north-east coast, Sofia comprises 100 offshore wind turbines, an offshore converter platform, and extensive subsea and onshore cable infrastructure.

The wind farm's electrical system uses HVDC technology to transmit the generated power over long distances. At the offshore converter platform, electricity is converted from 66 kV alternating current (AC) to 320 kV direct current (DC) before being transported to shore. The onshore converter station then converts the electricity to 400 kV AC for connection to the National Grid.

At this scale, individual electrical components' performance matters. Reliable measurement and protection equipment is essential to the wider systems that manage power flows, monitor electrical conditions, and respond to faults.

The role of current transformers in HVDC converter stations

Current transformers are essential to electrical measurement and protection systems across the power industry.

They provide scaled representations of primary current, allowing compatible instruments, protection relays and monitoring equipment to measure electrical conditions safely and accurately.

In demanding converter station and high-voltage applications, select current transformers to meet the installation's specific requirements, including current ratings, accuracy, secondary burden, insulation coordination, and protection performance.

Dependable current measurement supports several important functions:

Electrical protection: Providing current signals to compatible protection systems to help detect abnormal operating conditions.
System monitoring: Supporting the measurement of current in electrical circuits and associated equipment.
Operational reliability: Contributing to the effective operation of the wider electrical installation.
Equipment integration: Providing measurement interfaces suited to the requirements of the connected switchgear, control and protection systems.

In a complex renewable energy project such as Sofia, these functions form part of the wider electrical engineering framework that enables generated power to be transmitted to the grid.

ITL: Specialist current transformer manufacturing since 1973

Based in East Kilbride, Scotland, Instrument Transformers Limited has more than five decades of experience designing and manufacturing current and voltage transformers for the electrical power industry.

Our product portfolio serves a broad range of applications, from low-voltage current measurement to demanding medium-voltage and specialist high-current requirements.

With primary current ratings ranging from 1 A to 30,000 A, ITL develops transformer solutions for a wide range of electrical installations and customer specifications.

Our capabilities include:

Application-specific engineering: Developing current transformer designs to meet defined electrical and mechanical requirements.
High-current applications: Supporting demanding measurement requirements across the power industry.
Manufacturing expertise: Combining established transformer manufacturing knowledge with ongoing investment in production capabilities.
Customer collaboration: Working with customers and equipment manufacturers to establish appropriate technical specifications.

This experience enables ITL to support the diverse requirements of modern electrical infrastructure, where component selection, manufacturing quality and compatibility with the wider installation are essential considerations.

Supporting renewable energy infrastructure

The growth of offshore wind is driving continued investment in transmission systems, converter stations and high-voltage electrical equipment.

As projects scale up and move farther offshore, the engineering requirements for power transmission become increasingly demanding. Reliable electrical measurement remains fundamental to monitoring and protecting these systems. ITL is proud to contribute its current transformer manufacturing expertise to the Sofia project. Our involvement reflects the important role that specialist electrical equipment manufacturers play in supporting the infrastructure behind the UK's renewable energy ambitions.

From wind farm connections to substations, switchgear, and power system protection, ITL works with customers across the electrical power industry to deliver current transformer solutions for demanding applications.

Looking for current transformers for renewable energy projects?

Whether you are developing offshore wind infrastructure, specifying converter station equipment, or designing high-voltage switchgear and protection systems, ITL can help you identify a current transformer solution that meets your requirements.

Contact Instrument Transformers Limited today to discuss your next project.

Visit www.itl-uk.com to discover more about our current transformers, voltage transformers and specialist instrument transformer manufacturing capabilities.

ITL — Engineering transformer solutions for the power industry since 1973.

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High-Current Generator Current Transformers – Up to 30,000A Primary

High-Current Generator Current Transformers – Up to 30,000A Primary

In generator and power transformer applications, accurate current measurement and reliable protection are critical.

At Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL), we design and manufacture high-current Current Transformers (CTs) for demanding power generation and transmission applications, with primary current ratings of up to 30,000A.

Our high-current CT solutions are suitable for applications including:

🔹 Power transformers
🔹 Generator transformers
🔹 Generator output measurement
🔹 Protection and metering systems
🔹 Busbar and switchgear applications
🔹 Power generation and industrial installations

With application-specific design, we provide CTs configured to meet the required ratio, accuracy class, burdens and protection requirements.

From high-current measurement to critical protection functions, we engineer our transformers around the application rather than simply selecting from a catalogue.

Primary currents up to 30,000A.

Designed for demanding power applications.

Manufactured in the UK.

Talk to ITL about your next high-current CT requirement.

International Transformer Expertise. Local UK Representation.

ITL is pleased to announce its appointment as SEM's UK sales representative, bringing SEM's range of transformer solutions to customers across the UK.

The partnership gives UK customers a local point of contact for SEM products, while retaining the full technical, engineering, manufacturing and service capability of the SEM organisation behind every project.

Why SEM?

SEM provides a broad range of transformer solutions, including:

Distribution transformers
Medium-power transformers
Special transformers
Auto-transformers
Isolation and earthing transformers
Converter, inverter and rectifier transformers
Bespoke transformer solutions

Why ITL?

ITL's role is straightforward: to represent SEM in the UK and connect customers with the right SEM solution.

We can handle initial enquiries, understand project requirements, coordinate quotations and facilitate communication with SEM throughout the sales process.

For detailed technical requirements, engineering discussions, manufacturing, testing and after-sales service, customers have the backing of SEM's own technical and service teams.

This means customers don't have to choose between local accessibility and manufacturer expertise.

You get a UK-based commercial contact, backed by the transformer manufacturer.

Local Representation. Manufacturer Support.

The relationship is simple:

ITL
UK sales representative and commercial point of contact.

SEM
Transformer manufacturer providing engineering, technical, manufacturing, testing and service support.

This gives UK customers a clear and direct route into SEM's transformer capabilities, with confidence that the manufacturer remains directly behind the product.

Let's Talk Transformers

If you are sourcing transformers, developing a new project or looking for an alternative supplier, ITL can introduce your requirement to SEM and help start the conversation.

SEM Transformers. Represented in the UK by ITL.

UK representation. SEM engineering. SEM manufacturing. SEM support.

Contact ITL today to discuss your transformer requirements.

Advanced Partial Discharge Sensor for MV & HV Cable Monitoring Without Shutdown

Transient Magnetic Field PDS-609H Partial Discharge (PD) Sensor

When it comes to medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) cable networks, early detection of partial discharge (PD) can mean the difference between planned maintenance and unexpected failure.

The PDS-609H Partial Discharge Sensor has been specifically developed for economical monitoring of MV and HV cable terminations, joints and bushings, providing reliable detection in even the most demanding electrical environments.

As opposed to conventional clamp-type HFCT sensors, the PDS-609H is engineered to withstand power-frequency currents of several kiloamps without magnetic saturation, while maintaining a comparable signal-to-noise ratio. Its good immunity to external electromagnetic interference (EMI) compared with TEV sensors also delivers dependable measurements in electrically noisy installations.

Designed with practicality in mind, the compact sensor can typically be retrofitted to existing equipment safely without requiring a system outage, helping operators improve asset monitoring while minimising operational disruption.

Compatible with standard HFCT-based partial discharge monitoring systems and available with BNC or TNC outputs, the PDS-609H can also be customised to suit specific mounting and installation requirements.

Looking to improve the reliability of your MV or HV assets?

Want to know more? Contact us today to discuss how our permanent partial discharge monitoring solutions and survey service options can help identify insulation defects early, reduce unplanned downtime and extend the life of your critical electrical infrastructure.

Download our PDS-609H Sensor datasheet

Future-Proofing Hyperscale Facilities with Continuous Partial Discharge Monitoring

Artificial intelligence.

Cloud computing.

High-density processing.

These technologies are driving unprecedented electrical demand.

As facilities grow larger and power densities increase, electrical infrastructure becomes more critical than ever.

Future-ready facilities require more than redundancy.

They require visibility.

Continuous PD monitoring enables operators to understand asset health in real time.

It transforms maintenance from reactive to predictive.

It reduces risk while improving operational resilience.

The smartest facilities aren't simply monitored.

They're monitored continuously.

Future-proof your electrical infrastructure with ITL's Partial Discharge Monitoring solutions.

Arrange a consultation today.

Why Thermal Imaging Alone Cannot Protect Critical Electrical Assets

Thermal imaging remains an excellent maintenance tool.

But it has limitations.

Infrared cameras detect heat.

Partial discharge often occurs long before heat develops.

That means equipment may appear perfectly healthy while insulation is actively deteriorating.

Using both technologies together provides far greater insight.

Thermal imaging identifies overheating.

Partial discharge identifies insulation breakdown.

Combined, they deliver a comprehensive picture of equipment health.

Enhance your maintenance programme with continuous Partial Discharge Monitoring from ITL.

The Real ROI of Partial Discharge Monitoring

Many organisations view condition monitoring as an expense.

In reality, it's often one of the highest-return investments available.

Consider the cost of:

Emergency call-outs
Replacement switchgear
Lost productivity
SLA penalties
Reputational damage
Emergency shutdowns

Now compare that to identifying problems months before failure.

PD monitoring helps organisations:

Extend equipment life
Reduce replacement costs
Lower maintenance budgets
Avoid catastrophic failures

The return isn't just financial. It's operational confidence.

Protect your investments today before minor insulation defects become major capital expenditure tomorrow.

Why Predictive Maintenance Begins with Partial Discharge Monitoring

Traditional maintenance programmes have served industry well for decades.

However, today's hyperscale facilities require a more intelligent approach.

Instead of maintaining equipment according to fixed schedules, operators increasingly rely on condition-based maintenance.

Partial discharge monitoring provides one of the earliest measurable indicators of electrical insulation deterioration.

Unlike temperature monitoring, PD detects problems before heat develops.
Unlike visual inspections, PD monitoring operates continuously.
Unlike periodic testing, permanent monitoring never stops listening.

Business Benefits

Detect insulation ageing early
Monitor switchgear health trends
Extend equipment life (by making informed decisions)
Reduce unnecessary maintenance (with data-driven analysis)
Improve maintenance planning (Proactive and not Reactive)

Understand that every intervention becomes an insight into the asset condition, which means fewer surprises and better investment decisions.

Discover how ITL helps operators transition from reactive maintenance to predictive asset management.

The Hidden Electrical Threat That Could Cost Your Data Centre Millions

The Hidden Electrical Threat Inside Every Data Centre

Data centres are designed around one principle: continuous uptime.

Every server, network switch and cooling system depends on reliable power infrastructure. While operators invest heavily in redundancy, UPS systems and backup generation, one of the greatest risks often remains invisible.

That risk is Partial Discharge (PD).

Partial discharge is a small electrical spark occurring inside insulation systems long before catastrophic failure. It develops inside switchgear, transformers, cable terminations and busbars, slowly degrading insulation until failure occurs.

The danger is that PD is often impossible to detect during normal inspections.

By the time visible signs appear, the damage may already be extensive.

Why Data Centres Are Especially Vulnerable

Modern hyperscale facilities operate with:

Higher electrical loads
Continuous operation
Limited maintenance opportunities
Increasing demand for energy efficiency

These factors place greater stress on electrical assets.

Even a minor insulation defect can evolve into an outage affecting thousands of customers.

The Cost of Waiting

Electrical failures rarely happen without warning.

Partial discharge can exist for months—or years—before failure.

Without monitoring, operators rely on:

Scheduled inspections
Infrared surveys
Visual examinations
Periodic maintenance

Although valuable, these methods only provide snapshots.

PD monitoring provides continuous visibility.

Continuous Monitoring Changes Everything

Permanent monitoring enables operators to:

Early detection of insulation deterioration
Trend asset health over time
Prioritise maintenance requirements

Instead of reacting after equipment fails, maintenance becomes predictive.

Why ITL?

At Instrument Transformers Limited, we provide advanced Partial Discharge Monitoring solutions specifically suited to critical power infrastructure.

Our systems help identify defects before they become failures, protecting uptime and cutting operational risk.

If your facility cannot afford unexpected electrical failures, now is the time to understand what your assets are telling you.

Introducing ITL’s New Data Centre Current Transformer Range | ITL UK

Precision Current Transformers for Mission-Critical Power Infrastructure

With the global demand for cloud computing, AI, colocation services, and hyperscale data centres continuing to accelerate, so too does the need for highly reliable electrical infrastructure. At Instrument Transformers Limited (ITL), we are proud to announce the launch of our dedicated range of Current Transformers (CTs) designed specifically for data centres and hyperscale facilities.

Built in the UK and engineered for accuracy, reliability and long-term performance, our latest CT range has been developed to meet the increasing demands of modern mission-critical environments where power quality, energy monitoring and system resilience are paramount.

Designed for the World's Most Demanding Electrical Environments

Data centres operate around the clock, where even a momentary interruption can have significant operational and financial consequences. Every component within the electrical distribution network must perform flawlessly.

Our new range of current transformers has been developed for applications including:

Main LV switchboards
UPS systems
Generator synchronisation
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Busbar monitoring
Intelligent Power Monitoring Systems

Whether supporting a regional enterprise data centre or a multi-megawatt hyperscale campus, ITL current transformers provide dependable performance where it matters most.

Engineered for Accuracy

Accurate measurement is essential for modern energy management and electrical protection.

ITL offers:

High accuracy classes for revenue metering and monitoring
Reliable protection performance
Stable operation over extended service life

This ensures that operators/owners receive accurate current measurements for monitoring energy consumption, identifying inefficiencies, and maintaining optimal system performance.

Built for Continuous Operation

Unlike many commercial facilities, data centres rarely experience downtime. Components are expected to operate continuously for decades.

Every ITL current transformer is manufactured using high-quality materials and rigorous quality control processes to provide:

Long operational life
Low maintenance requirements
Consistent measurement performance
Robust construction

Manufactured in our UK facility, each product undergoes comprehensive testing before shipment.

Supporting Modern Power Monitoring

Today's facilities rely on extensive electrical monitoring to maximise efficiency and maintain uptime.

ITL current transformers with a 1A, 5A or custom output can integrate seamlessly with:

Power & Energy Monitoring Systems
Smart Metering
Power Quality Analysers
SCADA Systems
Protection Relays

Our products help operators and system owners gain greater visibility into electrical performance, support predictive maintenance strategies, and reduce operational risk.

Flexible Solutions for Every Installation

No two electrical installation projects are identical.

Our dedicated data centre range includes options suitable for:

New switchgear manufacture
OEM panel builders
Retrofit/Extension installations
Power System upgrades
Renewable projects

Multiple window sizes, ratios, accuracy classes and mounting options are available, with bespoke solutions designed to customer specifications where required.

Manufactured in the UK Since 1973

For more than five decades, Instrument Transformers Limited has supplied current and voltage transformers to customers throughout the UK and internationally.

Our products are trusted across industries including:

Data Centres
Utilities
Renewable Energy
Marine
Rail
Industrial Manufacturing
Power Generation
Infrastructure Projects

Every transformer benefits from ITL's commitment to engineering excellence, responsive technical support and dependable delivery.

Supporting the Future of Digital Infrastructure

As investment in AI, cloud computing and hyperscale facilities continues to grow, the electrical infrastructure supporting these developments must evolve alongside it.

ITL's new Data Centre Current Transformer range has been developed to provide the accuracy, reliability and performance required by today's critical power systems—helping engineers design resilient, efficient and future-ready electrical networks.

Speak to Our Engineering Team

Whether you're designing a new hyperscale facility, manufacturing switchgear, upgrading an existing installation or specifying equipment for a mission-critical project, our engineers can help identify the ideal current transformer solution.

Contact Instrument Transformers Limited today to discuss your project requirements and discover how our UK-manufactured current transformers can support your next data centre development.