Hitachi Energy Celebrates 75 Years of Innovation and Commitment to India’s Energy Transition
New Delhi, India, Oct. 7, 2024 – Hitachi Energy, a pioneering technology leader, has been a cornerstone in India’s energy landscape for the past 75 years. From its early days as Hindustan Electric to its current identity as Hitachi Energy, the company has played a pivotal role in the nation’s energy transition since its inception in 1949. As India strides towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world, Hitachi Energy is poised to enhance its contributions through innovative solutions and substantial investments.
A Milestone Celebration: Energy & Digital World 75 (EDW75)
To commemorate this significant milestone, Hitachi Energy is hosting a two-day experiential technology symposium, Energy & Digital World 75 (EDW75), in New Delhi. The event, inaugurated by notable figures including Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, Andreas Schierenbeck, Global CEO of Hitachi Energy, and N Venu, Managing Director and CEO of Hitachi Energy India, serves as a platform for discussions on advancing India’s Net-Zero journey. With over 2,000 participants, including policymakers, regulators, diplomats, and industry experts, the symposium aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the energy sector.
Strategic Investments for a Sustainable Future
In line with its commitment to India, Hitachi Energy India Limited has announced plans to invest approximately INR 2000 crores over the next four to five years. This investment is contingent on the ongoing trends that support India’s economic growth. Andreas Schierenbeck emphasized the collective nature of the energy challenge, stating, "The energy transition is bigger than one company, one team, and one individual." The focus will be on enhancing capacity, upgrading talent, and strengthening supply chains through digitalization, aligning with the Hitachi Energy 2030 strategic growth plan.
N Venu further elaborated on the company’s vision, stating, "Through innovative technologies and solutions, Hitachi Energy seeks to create a world suitable for today’s generations and those to come." The investments are designed to anticipate India’s future energy requirements, facilitating a sustainable electrification process and fostering collaboration with local and global stakeholders.
Key Highlights of the Investment Plan
The investment plan includes several key initiatives aimed at bolstering India’s energy infrastructure:
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Capacity Expansion: Hitachi Energy will significantly expand its large power transformers factory and upgrade testing capabilities for specialty transformers. This is crucial for developing the country’s transmission projects to meet rising energy demands.
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Support for Railways: The capacity of the traction transformers factory will be enhanced to support the modernization of the Indian railway network, a vital component of the nation’s infrastructure.
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Localized Solutions: Plans are underway to expand network control solutions and develop localized products such as Grid eXpand and Grid eMotion. The introduction of the REF650 medium voltage offering to the Indian market marks a significant step in enhancing power distribution capabilities.
- Supplier Development: Hitachi Energy is committed to nurturing a robust supplier base in India, ensuring that the country can meet both domestic and global energy demands.
Showcasing Innovative Technologies
At the EDW75 event, Hitachi Energy will unveil groundbreaking technologies that align with India’s clean energy goals. Among these is the world’s first SF6-free 420-kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear from the EconiQ™ portfolio, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). This innovation is a testament to Hitachi Energy’s commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, the Grid-eMotion® portfolio will be introduced, revolutionizing the electric vehicle charging ecosystem in India. This smart mobility solution aims to accelerate the adoption of safe and sustainable transport, particularly for public transport and commercial fleets.
Enhancing Grid Flexibility and Stability
Hitachi Energy will also unveil the Grid-enSure™ portfolio, which encompasses current and future solutions based on power electronics and advanced control systems. This initiative aims to enhance the grid’s flexibility, resilience, and stability, addressing the complexities of modern energy systems. Furthermore, the introduction of the REF650 medium-voltage protection and control relay will strengthen Hitachi Energy’s presence in the power distribution market.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
As Hitachi Energy celebrates 75 years of innovation and commitment to India, the company’s strategic investments and technological advancements are set to play a crucial role in the nation’s energy transition. With a focus on sustainability, digitalization, and collaboration, Hitachi Energy is not only contributing to India’s energy landscape but is also paving the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future for generations to come. The Energy & Digital World 75 symposium stands as a testament to this commitment, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of energy in India.