Hitachi Energy harvests rainwater in Halol factory in India, boosting sustainability and community well-being

At Hitachi Energy’s Halol transformer insulation and components factory in western India, the monsoon season presented a unique challenge that transformed into a significant opportunity for sustainability. Heavy rainfall caused waterlogging across the factory grounds, with the excess water flowing away unutilized.

Recognizing this as a chance to benefit both the environment and the community, the local team envisioned a rainwater harvesting initiative. This initiative aimed to recharge local groundwater and align with the factory’s broader sustainability goals. As a result, the Halol factory became the first factory in Hitachi Energy to achieve water-positive status, collecting more water than it consumed.¹

From waterlogging to water harvesting: A vision unfolds

In response to the challenge, Halol’s leadership enlisted the expertise of a proficient agency to design a system that would capture and channel rainwater back into the ground. The agency conducted a thorough geohydrological and geophysical survey to assess the area, ensuring that the solution would be effective and sustainable. With this detailed groundwork, the team developed an artificial recharge structure – to address waterlogging and groundwater depletion.

The project was more than just a solution to an immediate challenge. It represented a strategic move toward Halol's long-term sustainability goals. By capturing rainwater, reducing dependence on external water sources, and contributing to water conservation efforts, the initiative aimed to ensure a sustainable future for the community.

Engineering against the flow: Tackling challenges

Designing and implementing the rainwater harvesting system was easy, but the execution had challenges. The agency had to create a well-integrated system that captured the water and ensured its quality by incorporating filtration and treatment processes. The project required careful design and planning, precise execution, and a deep understanding of local water conditions.

Despite these hurdles, the results were impressive. During the monsoon season, Halol successfully recharged approximately 14,185 cubic meters of water back into the ground based on the design calculation and rainfall during 2024, which is more than enough to meet the factory’s yearly water consumption. The initiative led to a rise in groundwater levels and a noticeable improvement in water quality, particularly in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels.

Changing the flow: A cultural shift in sustainability

The success of the rainwater harvesting project at the factory in Halol created a transformative ripple effect on the mindset of employees. No longer just a factory initiative, the project inspired a greater sense of environmental consciousness throughout the workforce. The team in Halol are now more aware of their water usage and are adopting sustainable practices in their professional and personal lives.

A blueprint for the future: Water-positive vision

Halol’s success has led to plans to expand the rainwater harvesting initiative. They are working on new recharge wells, especially at the Maneja Power Transformers factory in Vadodara, India.

The Halol factory’s journey doesn’t end here. The project has set a strong precedent for sustainability, which will continue to inspire future initiatives within Hitachi Energy and beyond, impacting the environment and local communities.