Hitachi Energy to expand transformer operations
March 2024
News
Hitachi Energy has announced an investment of more than $32 million for the expansion and modernisation of its power transformer manufacturing facility in Bad Honnef, Germany. Expected to be completed in 2026, the project will generate up to 100 new jobs in the region, and address the rising demand for transformers to support Europe’s clean energy transition.
Operational since 1906, the facility in Bad Honnef is one of Hitachi Energy’s key manufacturing locations. The factory produces large power transformers, which are critical components of the electrical grid used to step up or down the voltage level for efficient transmission and distribution.
“Electricity will be the backbone of our entire energy system. In the global power system of 2050, we need around four times the power generation capacity and transfer of up to three times as much electrical energy compared to 2020”, said managing director, Bruno Melles.
The investment signifies an expansion of the facility to over 15 000 m2. Combined with process enhancements, the upgraded facility is geared towards optimising operational performance and boosting the overall manufacturing capacity to address the growing demand. Over the years, the factory has delivered transformers to many of the leading transmission system operators, utilities and industries in Europe.
The expansion of this factory reflects a wider scaling up of Hitachi Energy’s capacity in Europe. Last year, the company expanded production in Sweden with an additional 2000 new jobs, in addition to the acquisition of power electronics companies, eks Energy and COET.
To view a video on the investment visit www.instrumentation.co.za/ex/hitachi.pdf
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