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Advancing a sustainable energy future: The role of Hitachi Energy

hitachi energy

In the rapidly evolving landscape of energy, innovation and collaboration have never been more crucial. Hitachi Energy, a relatively new entity with a legacy of over 200 years of combined history, stands at the forefront of this transformation.

Country Managing Director for Australia Bernard Norton sat down with Energy Today to discuss how Hitachi Energy’s purpose to advance a sustainable energy future relates to the company’s deep held commitment to sustainability.

“It is woven into the fabric of the company’s operations, influencing everything from product development to community engagement,” he said.

“Innovation has always been a big part of who we are, as is collaboration, and sustainability is at the heart of our purpose; our aim is to advance a sustainable energy future for all.”

Hitachi Energy operates as a four-year-old startup underpinned by a deep-rooted history of innovation. Acquired by Hitachi, a global conglomerate, the company benefits from significant investments in research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities.

With $US4.5 billion earmarked for R&D, expanded manufacturing capacity, engineering, digital, and partnerships over the next few years, Hitachi Energy is well-positioned to help lead the charge in the energy transition, enhancing its portfolio that already holds a number one position in various market segments.

The company also focuses on utilities, renewables, transportation, and mining as primary sectors. Each of these sectors plays a vital role in Australia’s broader push toward achieving net-zero emissions.

hitachi
The Brisbane Metro project. Image: Hitachi Energy

Leading the charge with electric metros

One of Hitachi Energy’s flagship projects is collaborating with Brisbane City Council to power the all-electric metros as part of the Brisbane Metro project. This initiative exemplifies the practical application of eMobility technology for cleaner, more efficient urban transport and mobility.

Norton said that flash charging enables the metros to recharge in just over six minutes, utilising an overhead pantograph system that connects automatically. This system allows for greater customer capacity by reducing the need for large batteries onboard and allows the metros to operate for extended periods of time without returning to the metro depot for slow charging.

The Grid-eMotion® system strikes a balance between battery size and life, ensuring that the metros can operate efficiently while minimising their environmental impact.

Two types of charging technologies, flash charging and CCS2 plug-in chargers, are being used for the project.

“This innovative approach increases operational efficiencies but also significantly reduces public transport emissions, paving the way for a greener urban environment,” Norton said.

Harnessing renewable resources

Bernard Norton. Image: Hitachi Energy

In the utilities sector, Hitachi Energy is actively contributing to Australia’s energy transition by enhancing the country’s renewable energy capabilities.

“Australia boasts some of the best wind and solar resources globally, and Hitachi Energy aims to harness these resources effectively,” Norton said.

The company’s work on the Marinus Link project, which will connect Tasmania’s hydropower to the mainland, underscores its commitment. Utilising high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, the project will allow for efficient energy transport over long distances, thereby strengthening the national grid and enhancing energy security.

“By 2050, it is anticipated that the project will prevent up to 140 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, which is comparable to removing approximately one million cars from the roads,” Norton added.

Supporting a sustainable future

The mining sector is another critical area where Hitachi Energy’s technology plays an important role. Norton said with a rich supply of essential minerals for the energy transition – such as copper and lithium – Australia is strategically positioned in the global market.

“The mining industry is crucial to the energy transition,” he said. “The mining industry is another area that we’ve supported for a long time. The major miners rely heavily on our technology to supply electricity to their mines enabling the mining of critical minerals in a sustainable way to drive the energy transition. Australia has a really big role to play in that.”

“We not only support the mining industries in in those remote regions, but we also support the remote communities. Some of the remote communities in Western Australia have been using our battery energy storage systems (BESS) combined with solar and renewable energy to stabilise their energy networks for up to 25 years,” Norton said.

The heart of sustainability

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Hitachi Energy; it is integral to its purpose and strategy.

Norton said the company’s mission is to advance a sustainable energy future for all, and they actively pursue initiatives that align with this goal.

For instance, Hitachi Energy reached 100 percent fossil-free electricity in its operations in early 2022, and aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2030. Its commitment extends to developing technologies that minimise environmental impact, such as the SF6-free equipment used in energy networks.

Internally, Hitachi Energy places a strong emphasis on diversity and workforce development. The Diversity 360 program aims to foster an inclusive work environment, ensuring that they build a sustainable business model that prioritises economic viability alongside environmental stewardship.

“Sustainability is not just about our products and services; it’s also about our people and maintaining economic viability,” Norton said.

“The technology needed for a sustainable energy future is available today and we need to get on with delivering these projects.”

The future of the energy industry is undoubtedly linked to digitalisation. As traditional energy systems evolve, Hitachi Energy envisions an “Internet of Energy”, where consumers not only consume but also generate energy. This transformative model requires robust digital infrastructure, leveraging IoT and advanced power electronics to enhance efficiency and reliability in energy distribution.

However, challenges remain. Supply chain constraints, regulatory hurdles, and the need for collaborative partnerships are just a few obstacles that the industry faces. The urgency to address these issues is critical, as the world collectively strives for a sustainable energy future.

As Hitachi Energy continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in energy innovation, its work serves as a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainability.

The technology and strategies necessary to achieve a sustainable energy future are available today. The industry must focus on collaboration and co-creation among stakeholders to drive this transition effectively.

“Collaboration and partnerships are key to driving the energy transition forward,” Norton said.

For more information, visit Hitachi Energy.

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