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Press Release Zurich, Switzerland 31-03-2022

3 min read

Hitachi Energy supplies EconiQ™ transformers for China’s first “zero carbon” substation

EconiQ™ transformers for China
State Grid Corporation of China project will minimize environmental impact of power systems with sustainable transformers

Hitachi Energy has supplied two 110 kilovolt, 63 megavolt ampere EconiQ™ power transformers to China’s largest grid operator the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) for a visionary substation project underway in the Jiangsu Province, on China’s east coast. This project is in line with SGCC and Hitachi Energy’s strategy of pushing the boundaries in deploying sustainable technologies.

“Our EconiQ™ transformers are advancing the electricity industry’s sustainability journey and we are proud to support SGCC in building their first ‘zero-carbon substation’,” said Bruno Melles, Managing Director for Hitachi Energy’s transformer business. “These highly efficient and bio-degradable ester-filled transformers come with several benefits including reduction of carbon footprint and enhanced safety for people and local ecosystems”. 

EconiQ™ is the company’s portfolio of solutions which are proven to deliver an exceptional environmental performance resulting in significant reductions in carbon footprint. EconiQ™ transformers are optimized based on specific sustainability requirements of our customers and Hitachi Energy’s technology domain expertise, using environmental Life Cycle Analysis methodology. They contribute to decarbonization, enhanced safety for people, protection of ecosystems and responsible use of resources across the transformer’s life cycle. The transformers are also manufactured using fossil free electricity at Hitachi Energy facilities further contributing to the overall reduction of their carbon footprint.

The SGCC energy saving, and eco-efficient substation is expected to save about 18,000 tonnes of CO2eq emissions over its lifetime1. EconiQ™ transformers from Hitachi Energy along with other equipment such as photovoltaic solar panels and an energy storage system for the substation’s auxiliary operations will contribute to development of the “net zero substation concept”, in line with China’s carbon neutrality target2

The reduction of the transformers’ carbon footprint comes from a low loss design as well as from the use of natural ester biodegradable fluid as the insulating medium, the first of its kind at 110 kilovolts for SGCC. The plants from which the natural ester fluid is produced absorb CO2 during their growth phase in a process known as biogenic carbon capture.

The use of natural ester also reduces the transformers’ impact on local eco-systems, especially in the rare event of an uncontained leakage. From a safety perspective the higher flash point of natural esters reduces the risk of fire, protecting people who may be working nearby and the surrounding substation equipment. The transformers come with a disassembly manual with disposal and recycling guidelines for the end of the transformer’s life, supporting the circular economy.

Jiangsu province has a long history of business and industry and a large population of over 84 million people. The 110 kilovolt Gaoxiang (Qingshu) “zero carbon” substation is a demonstration project in Wuxi, one of the largest cities in the province, with over 7.4 million people and a key city in the Yangtze Delta commercial area.

 

1. https://www.indaa.com.cn/

https://en.sasac.gov.cn/2021/03/09/c_6788.htm 

  

About Hitachi Energy


Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.  
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About Hitachi, Ltd.


Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billions of yen (84, 136 millions of U.S. dollars), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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