Powering a Sustainable Future: Hitachi Energy’s Role in Offshore Wind Expansion

The journey to a net-zero future is a race that we must win, and offshore wind plays a pivotal role in reaching this goal. For the UK and Europe, this means scaling up renewable energy sources and improving the infrastructure to support them. One company making significant strides in this space is Hitachi Energy, whose innovations and strategic collaborations are driving the renewable energy transition.

Offshore Wind and Hitachi Energy’s Role

Hitachi Energy has a clear mission: to advance a sustainable future for all. By working closely with customers and partners, they are helping to meet the growing demand for renewable energy. In the UK, Hitachi Energy is at the forefront of critical infrastructure projects, employing over 600 people who are contributing to the country’s energy transition.

One of the standout projects is the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which uses Hitachi Energy’s high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. This massive wind farm will provide renewable energy to six million homes, demonstrating the company’s capability to power large-scale renewable projects. Furthermore, Hitachi Energy is involved in various projects across the UK, such as the Caithness Moray and Shetland links, enabling the transmission of renewable power to the mainland grid.

Expanding Horizons in Europe

Hitachi Energy’s global reach is just as impressive. With over 45,000 employees worldwide, they have invested heavily in infrastructure and technology to meet the growing demand for electrification. Their efforts in Europe are vast, providing critical equipment for wind farms across countries such as Norway, Germany, France, and Spain.

Their framework agreement with TenneT, worth around €13 billion, highlights their commitment to the future of renewable energy. This agreement ensures the supply of HVDC converter stations and other infrastructure to accelerate the integration of renewables into the European grid.

Innovations Powering the Future

The integration of renewable energy into national grids requires more than just the installation of wind farms. It demands innovative grid technology. Hitachi Energy is enhancing grid connectivity by using digital solutions that increase the grid's capacity and reliability. Their EconiQ™ high-voltage portfolio, for instance, replaces harmful gases with eco-efficient alternatives, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

One of the most significant innovations is the HVDC Light® technology, a voltage-source converter developed over 25 years ago. This system has been instrumental in projects like the Nordlink interconnector, which connects the power grids of Norway and Germany, enabling the exchange of wind, solar, and hydropower between the two nations.

Overcoming Challenges

While the wind industry has made rapid advancements, there are still technological challenges to overcome, particularly as offshore projects move farther out to sea and use larger turbines. The energy infrastructure needs to evolve in lockstep with power generation, especially to meet soaring global electricity demand.

Additionally, long-term energy storage solutions require further development. Hitachi Energy is pushing for the wider adoption of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and static compensators (STATCOM) to ensure a reliable, secure, and sustainable energy system for the future.

Streamlining the Energy Transition

Hitachi Energy, along with industry leaders, emphasizes the need for streamlined planning and permitting processes to accelerate the deployment of renewable projects. As Laura Fleming, UK & Ireland Country Managing Director, points out, governments must play a critical role in turning policy into reality, enabling businesses to invest with confidence in the future of renewable energy.

With new business models and long-term agreements, such as the one with TenneT to secure resources for North Sea wind farms, Hitachi Energy is demonstrating how collaboration and strategic planning can bring projects to life faster and more efficiently.

Looking Ahead

The demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy sector continues to rise. Hitachi Energy has already hired over 8,000 new employees globally since 2020 and plans to hire thousands more in the coming years. The future of energy is in good hands, with initiatives like the European Wind Power Package and the EU Grid Action Plan setting the stage for rapid growth.

Conclusion

The road to a sustainable energy future requires innovation, collaboration, and a clear vision. Hitachi Energy is playing a crucial role in transforming the offshore wind industry and enhancing the grid infrastructure to support it. With ongoing investments, technological advancements, and partnerships across Europe, Hitachi Energy is powering the future of renewable energy.