‘Circular Partnerships’ accelerate the energy transition

Innovators and energy transition champions from around the world converged under one roof to harness the power to change our planet's destiny and accelerate the energy transition. At the recent event with the theme of "Advancing a sustainable energy future for all" in Ludvika, Sweden, a new kind of energy was rising - one that doesn't emit carbon but rather fuels hope.

Representatives from commercial companies, academia, government, and educational institutions participated in panel sessions to discuss partnerships for the energy transition and the importance of growing people and leaders, as we are advancing a sustainable energy future for all. Hitachi Executives and Directors also participated, as well as Hitachi Energy Executives and global, regional, and local team members. It was a consensus that now is the time to act together to make a difference if we aim to reach the ambitious net-zero goals of 2030 and 2050.

Collaboration, partnerships, and working together across all stakeholder groups and sectors

The first panel session, “Partnerships for the Energy Transition,” discussed interesting perspectives on decarbonization, electrification of industries, transportation, buildings, and the usage of complementary energy carriers like hydrogen, and how we must have an infrastructure supporting the increased integration of renewable energy sources. It was also emphasized that success with existing joint projects would not have been achieved without partnerships and collaboration.

Energizing the future – growing people and leaders

The second panel session focused on how we are growing people and leaders to build a global talent pool for a sustainable energy future. Speakers of the Hitachigymnasiet and the CEO of Hitachigymnasiet to representatives from Dalarna University and the Lulea Technology University shared their views of the importance of collaboration between academia, educational institutions and commercial business. In the ongoing paradigm shift where electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system, there is a need to start much earlier by building an interest in STEM education and having a strong collaboration between educational institutions, universities, and commercial companies. Reskilling was discussed as there is an enormous demand for people to join the energy sector across many countries.

The summit was not just about discussing the future but also about rolling up sleeves and getting to work on accelerating the energy transition and supporting a renewable revolution. Several views were presented on delivering technology for decarbonizing the energy system. As part of the event, the visitors also had a chance to tour the Ludvika factory, which is a world center for power transmission with a 600,000 square meters large site. Around 3,000 employees of more than 80 nationalities work with leading research and development, marketing, manufacturing, and service of products, systems, and software in the factories. During the summit the energy was sparkling and it was concluded that we must all collaborate to accelerate the energy transition and we must go faster – together.