The coal industry has been a cornerstone of American industry for over a century, supporting an energy system that has helped power communities across the nation. Today, the traditional grid faces new challenges amid aging infrastructure and severe weather impacts that cause widespread outages in rural areas. With a push toward renewable energy technologies, coal's legacy has been increasingly less influential, but the solution for resilient rural power could very well depend on durable transformers from stranded mining operations.
The high cost of grid instability
Rural power grids face unique vulnerabilities, including long distribution lines and increased exposure to more frequent inclement weather, which leads to a higher frequency of power disruptions. Research highlights this growing threat, suggesting that 72.7% of US counties experienced weather-related outages lasting eight hours or longer between 2018 and 2020.
Of these instances, 70.6% of counties experienced power failures due to heavy precipitation, which was mostly in the Gulf Coast, Southern California and the Northeast. Likewise, 50.6% of counties experienced outages due to heatwaves, primarily in the southeastern United States.
A closer look at Tropical Storm Isaias found that 60% of the rural residents encountered extensive downtimes compared to 33% of urban populations. The prolonged disruption impacted local economies and essential services. Even a blackout lasting less than 10 seconds could have a tremendous impact on US businesses, underscoring the need for readily deployable solutions.
The lasting value of mining transformers
Decommissioned coal mine transformers are highly valuable because of their durability and performance. Oftentimes, they feature mechanically sound, wound transformer coils and reinforced enclosures that can withstand intense physical and electrical pressures.
Their construction makes them capable of handling thermal shocks from peak loads and sealing out contaminants, which makes them conducive for a second life supporting the grid. Reusing this equipment is also more cost-effective than manufacturing new transformers, contributing to a circular, sustainable economy. By redeploying these components, the energy sector can enhance grid efficiency in rural regions more quickly and affordably while reducing industrial waste and preserving an engineering tradition.
Bridging to a diversified energy future
Experts predict that energy use will increase by 50% by 2040, primarily due to population growth and the associated rise in demand. Therefore, repurposing legacy coal mine transformers is not an endpoint – it is a bridge to reliable power and a diversified grid.
The Energy Institute's current Statistical Review of World Energy indicates that fossil fuels accounted for 86% of the global energy mix in 2024. The report highlights that while clean energy is expanding, its growth has not replaced the existing portfolio. The robust transformers from decommissioned coal mines provide a distinctive opportunity for a safe and smooth transition and reliable power. This strategy generates value from an otherwise abandoned asset and underscores the importance of skilled professionals in the energy sector's future.
A legacy recharged
Tomorrow's energy dependency may greatly hinge on renewable technologies, but today's rural grid reliability is looking toward legacy equipment. Utilising repurposed coal mine transformers unlocks tremendous economic value and pays respect to the mining industry's foundational contributions. Adapting these mighty systems for cleaner purposes demonstrates innovative adaptation and and carves a path toward reliable electricity generation.
Author bio
Jane Marsh is a seasoned environmental journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co, specialising in in-depth coverage of environmental trends, sustainability, and the evolving energy landscape. With her work featured on leading platforms like Renewable Energy Magazine, Manufacturing.net, and Nation of Change, Jane brings a keen perspective on the intersection of energy innovation and industry practice.