Hitachi Energy inaugurates expanded Service Center in Norway to strengthen transformers’ sustainability

On Nov. 12^th, Hitachi Energy inaugurated an expansion of its Service Center in Drammen, Norway, with an increased capacity to modernize and refurbish transformers and high-voltage equipment. The company’s service team in Drammen will continue to provide exemplary life-cycle services to customers with the highest quality care and service support for their equipment.

As one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe, this state-of-the-art center is uniquely positioned to contribute to the company’s efforts to support the rising global demand for transformers driven by renewable energy and electrification across all industries and regions.

This expansion is part of the recently announced $1.5 billion investment to increase transformer production and service capacity and underscores the pivotal role that the operative service life of transformers and electrical equipment play in the energy transition by fostering a proactive maintenance culture that extends the life of the assets, prevents unexpected breakdowns, optimizes energy efficiency and supports grid stability.

The expanded service center in Drammen provides a full-service offering, including fast, high-quality refurbishment and repair services, helping to extend transformer lifespans, minimize costly interruptions, and reduce replacement needs, embodying a circular economy model that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.

Norbert Beatrix, HUB Manager for Europe in Hitachi Energy’s Transformers Business Unit, emphasizes the sustainable advantages of refurbishment, likening the process to giving a new lease of life to an old car. Just as a skilled technician breathes new life into vintage vehicles by replacing outdated parts and enhancing performance, the Drammen team applies advanced technology and expertise to ensure transformers are ready to serve for decades longer.

Beyond service capabilities, the Drammen facility itself exemplifies sustainable practices as it is equipped with solar panels that generate sufficient renewable energy to meet nearly all its energy needs, reinforcing Hitachi Energy's holistic approach to sustainability. Bård Lund, Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in Norway, refers to this facility as a "center of circular economy" for the industry, underscoring its importance in minimizing resource consumption and promoting responsible operations within the sector.

Drammen Service Center is already actively engaged in key projects, one example is including the life extension of twelve 38-year-old transformers that will undergo comprehensive health assessments and refurbishment. This initiative emphasizes material reuse alongside digital advancements through modern control equipment and sensors. The project aims to significantly reduce failures and unplanned outages, ensuring that these transformers are prepared for an extra 20-30 year lifespan, supporting safe and reliable operations.

The expanded capabilities of the Drammen Service Center strengthen the company’s role as a trusted life-cycle partner for customers looking for secure, sustainable, and innovative service solutions. The company has over a century of experience and expertise, and its dedicated team of experts delivers exceptional service solutions that cover the entire life cycle of the grid assets, ensuring resilient operations to achieve a sustainable and secure energy future.