For us, CIGRE was first and foremost an opportunity to meet our partners, discuss ongoing and upcoming projects, and explore new technologies and solutions that will increasingly shape the development of power networks in the years ahead.

CIGRE (Conseil International des Grands Réseaux Électriques) is an international organisation and professional network connecting power system experts from around the world. Held every two years in Paris, the CIGRE Session is one of the most important international events in the industry.

This year’s CIGRE took place from 23 to 28 August at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, bringing together more than 5,500 delegates and over 15,000 energy sector professionals, with more than 90 countries represented.

Alongside an extensive conference programme, a 17,300 m² technical exhibition showcased high- and medium-voltage equipment, protection and control systems, measurement and diagnostic equipment, and a wide range of other technologies for modern power networks.

Several of OÜ Pistrik I-V’s partners were also represented at this year’s exhibition. During our meetings, we discussed new products, delivery times, ongoing projects and opportunities to introduce new solutions to the Estonian and wider Baltic markets.

Comel (Serbia) – Power Transformers

Comel is entering the Estonian market with a strong portfolio of references, having successfully completed a number of projects in neighbouring countries, including Latvia and Lithuania.

The documentation required for the approval of Comel power transformers has already been submitted to Elektrilevi. One of the final key stages in the approval process is a transformer test scheduled to take place at the KEMA laboratory in October. Subject to a successful test result, we expect to be ready to offer Comel power transformers for Elektrilevi projects by the end of this year.

Another important advantage of Comel is its competitive lead time. Despite a growing order book, the manufacturer is currently able to maintain favourable delivery times compared with prevailing market conditions.

Ganz (Hungary) – Power Transformers and Motors

At CIGRE, Ganz shared news about the expansion of its manufacturing capacity. A new factory is scheduled to open next year, which is expected to increase production capacity and help shorten delivery times.

However, the actual manufacturing time of a transformer does not depend solely on factory capacity. The components specified by the customer and their availability also play an important role. Lead times for components such as bushings and tap changers, for example, can affect the schedule of the entire project.

ZWAE (Poland) – Disconnectors and Load-Break Switches

Our discussions with ZWAE focused primarily on logistics and delivery arrangements, as well as opportunities to make future deliveries even more efficient.

One of the manufacturer’s key strengths continues to be its short lead time, currently approximately 14 weeks. In the energy sector, where long equipment delivery times can affect the schedule of an entire project, this represents a significant advantage.

Elektrometal Energetyka (Poland) – Switchgear and Protection Systems

Elektrometal Energetyka is a new partner of Pistrik I-V. In Estonia, we see strong potential for its medium-voltage equipment, particularly in privately funded projects, including renewable energy developments.

At CIGRE, we also took a closer look at the company’s protection and control devices. Our next step is to introduce these solutions to major distribution and transmission network operators and begin the processes required for their approval.

MGC and Pfiffner (Switzerland) – Instrument Transformers, Bushings and SF6-Free Solutions

One of the key themes at this year’s CIGRE was the transition towards more environmentally sustainable high-voltage solutions.

Pfiffner presented its plans to launch a new SF6-free outdoor high-voltage circuit breaker next year. The importance of such solutions in the European energy sector will increase significantly in the coming years as new European Union requirements progressively restrict the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases in electrical switchgear.

From 1 January 2028, new requirements will apply, among others, to high-voltage switchgear rated above 52 kV and up to 145 kV, with a short-circuit current of up to 50 kA. This will accelerate the transition towards SF6-free technologies and make the availability of suitable alternatives increasingly important for future projects.

In the coming months, we plan to introduce Pfiffner’s new circuit breaker to Elering and Elektrilevi, and from next year onwards we expect to be ready to offer it for new projects.

Hubbell (USA) – Insulators, Line Hardware, Surge Protection and Grounding Equipment

We have been familiar with Hubbell’s solutions for several years, and the company has now also become one of our partners.

This significantly expands our existing product portfolio. Among other products, we can now offer 330 kV surge arresters, which were not previously part of our range.

We also see strong potential for Hubbell’s line hardware and line insulators in Estonia as well as in neighbouring markets, particularly Finland, Latvia and Lithuania.

What Did CIGRE 2026 Bring Us?

For us, CIGRE is much more than an opportunity to see the latest equipment and technologies presented by manufacturers. Just as importantly, it gives us the chance to meet the people we work with on a regular basis, discuss specific projects face to face and gain first-hand insight into the direction in which the energy sector is moving.

This year’s CIGRE once again demonstrated how rapidly the power network and high-voltage equipment market is evolving. New technologies and manufacturers are entering the market, environmental requirements are playing an increasingly important role, and at the same time, equipment availability and lead times continue to have a significant impact on project implementation.

For OÜ Pistrik I-V, this means staying closely informed about developments in the industry, maintaining direct relationships with manufacturers, and evaluating new solutions not only on the basis of their technical specifications, but also in terms of reliability, delivery capability and the actual needs of our customers.

We will continue working closely with our existing and new partners to bring modern and reliable solutions to the Estonian and Baltic markets – solutions whose quality we can confidently stand behind.