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Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have announced that they have agreed to transfer the distribution transformer business of Mitsubishi Electric’s Nagoya Works, which develops and manufactures factory automation (FA) equipment, to Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems and integrate their businesses (hereinafter “Business Transfer”). After obtaining approval from the relevant authorities, assets and other items related to the distribution transformer business (development, design, manufacturing, sales, and maintenance) at Mitsubishi Electric’s Nagoya Works will be transferred to Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems in stages beginning in October 2024, with completion scheduled for April 1, 2026. Business Transfer The Business Transfer does not include the transformers manufactured at Mitsubishi Electric’s Transmission & Distribution Systems Center, Ako Factory. Through this Business Transfer, Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems will expand its product lineup of highly energy-efficient and eco-friendly transformers and accelerate the growth of grid edge solutions centered on power distribution systems, mainly in the domestic market. The company aims to contribute to the sustainable evolution of Japan’s power transmission Furthermore, the company aims to contribute to the sustainable evolution of Japan’s power transmission and distribution network by utilizing Hitachi Group’s wider capabilities in IT, OT, and Products. Mitsubishi Electric will focus on expanding its FA systems business based on its portfolio strategy of concentrating investments in priority growth businesses. Distribution transformers Distribution transformers serve the function of lowering the voltage of high-voltage electricity generated by power plants, so that the power can be used to meet the needs of the users. They are installed at relay points of the power grid, such as substations, public facilities, business facilities, and commercial facilities. With the global diversification of power generation sources due to the spread of renewable energy and the increasing demand for electric power due to the expansion of data centers and semiconductor manufacturing with the spread of generative AI and Digital Transformation (DX), the demand for power distribution transformers is expected to grow globally over the long term. Top Runner Program In Japan, the Top Runner Program under the Energy Conservation Law sets targets for improving energy consumption efficiency, and distribution transformers used in factories and buildings are expected to achieve improvement by 11.4% in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027 compared to the actual value for the same period ending 2020. The improvement of environmental performance is becoming indispensable, and in 2026, the market is expected to expand by more than 10% from the 2022 level. Hitachi Group expanding its transformer business globally Hitachi Group expands transformer business globally as one of the key products for achieving carbon neutrality Hitachi Group is expanding its transformer business globally as one of the key products for achieving carbon neutrality. As a major manufacturer of distribution transformers in Japan, Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems provides products that achieve superior energy efficiency by using 'amorphous metal' with low power loss in the iron core, and products that achieve high environmental performance and safety by using vegetable oil (ester oil). Furthermore, as part of the Hitachi Group, the global major in transformers, Hitachi Energy, is offering liquid-filled and dry-type transformers, as well as services for complete life-cycle support to utilities, industrial and transport sectors by ensuring high reliability and optimized performance while lowering life-cycle costs and environmental impact. Mitsubishi Electric’s distribution transformer business Mitsubishi Electric’s distribution transformer business based at its Nagoya Works has evolved and inherited technologies cultivated through years of experience. More recently, it has been promoting a rich lineup of Top Runner oil-filled transformers such as the R series, in pursuit of energy-saving performance. Looking forward, to strengthen the business further and ensure a stable supply of products, the company duly decided on the Business Transfer to Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems. Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric partnership The integration will contribute to the Japanese government’s aim to achieve 'carbon neutrality by 2050' Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems and Mitsubishi Electric shared a common vision that integrating the technologies and assets of the two companies to improve energy efficiency and increase business value through the development and provision of more environmentally friendly products is the best way to achieve the advanced power transmission and distribution network required in Japan. Furthermore, the integration will contribute to the Japanese government’s aim to achieve 'carbon neutrality by 2050'. Accordingly, the top management of the two companies came to the agreement at this time. Industrial equipment supporting social infrastructure Yasuhiro (Charlie) Takeuchi, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, said “The desire to contribute to Japan’s carbon neutrality in 2050 is behind this integration. Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems globally provides industrial equipment that supports social infrastructure and manufacturing, and transformers are indispensable products for building a greener and more intelligent domestic power transmission and distribution network in Japan.” Yasuhiro Takeuchi adds, “We are confident that through a steady integration process, we can contribute to realizing the sustenance of society within ‘Planetary Boundary’ which is the target of the Hitachi Group.” Nagoya Works distribution transformer business Toshie Takeuchi, Executive Officer (Group President, Factory Automation Systems), Mitsubishi Electric, said “Starting in 1952, the Nagoya Works distribution transformer business has over 70 years of production experience. We are pleased that Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems will inherit our technology that has been cultivated over many years, as it can contribute to the development of the distribution transformer industry.” Toshie Takeuchi adds, “We will gradually proceed with the business integration while continuing our supply to the market. In the future, we will focus on expanding the factory automation systems business and our Circular Digital-Engineering business.”
Eco Wave Power Global (“Eco Wave Power” or the “Company” or “EWP”), a major, publicly traded onshore wave energy company, is pleased to announce that it has won a £1.5 million grant (the “Grant”) as part of a consortium led by Toshiba (U.K.) and Aquatera (U.K.) to design a pilot microgrid project for a remote island in Thailand. The £1.5 million grant is part of Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst program Round 10, which supports U.K. and international businesses and organizations in developing market-focused technologies that provide clean, affordable and accessible energy. Consortium includes Eco Wave Power, Toshiba and Hitachi The consortium will utilize the onshore Wave Energy Converters (WECs) developed by EWP The consortium is led by Toshiba Europe Limited (“Toshiba”), Aquatera Ltd (“Aquatera”) and also includes Hitachi Energy Ltd. (“Hitachi”) and teams from the University of Manchester, the University of Exeter, the Asian Institute of Technology (“AIT”), and the Queen Mary University of London (“QMUL”). The consortium will utilize the onshore Wave Energy Converters (WECs) developed by EWP and implement advanced technology developed by the corporate partners and the university teams. Eco Wave Power’s WEC offers many competitive advantages Eco Wave Power was selected by the parties as Eco Wave Power’s WEC offers several competitive advantages, including cost-efficiency, insurability, reliability, environmental friendliness, and a forecasted attractive levelized cost of energy for low-income residents in islands, in comparison to solar and diesel generators. New technology to be developed as part of the project will include the development and deployment of: Novel and predictive control systems; A radar system to forecast wave heights to help avoid hazardous conditions and maximize WECs energy generation; A fully AI-based load and generation prediction system; and Wireless, distributed energy management system to provide electricity without expensive lithium-ion batteries. Second grant from Innovate UK for Eco Wave Power Professor Guang Li, of the University of Manchester, said: “This is a second grant from Innovate UK for the development and commercialization of the Eco Wave Power’s technology. In our previous early-stage project, we have numerically demonstrated the efficacy of our advanced control technology that can improve the onshore WEC energy output by at least 40%. This project will enable us to continue our study in this area to further promote the technology readiness level and significantly enhance the WEC potential.” Dr. Kamyar Mehran, the Project Investigator from QMUL, added, “I am excited to start our second phase of this project after our successful initial feasibility study. We would like to thank Innovate UK for the generous funding, which can pave the way for the commercialization of all novel technologies we have researched for years. I also believe with our great partners we can achieve all of our objectives in this project.” Grant - a strong vote of confidence in Eco Wave Power Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, commented: “We see this as a strong vote of confidence in Eco Wave Power and our pioneering technology and look forward to a productive collaboration with the team from Toshiba, Hitachi, Aquatera Queen Mary University of London, University of Manchester, The Asian Institute of Technology, the University of Exeter, and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand.” Inna Braverman adds, “We are extremely grateful to Innovate UK for this Grant, as this project presents a unique opportunity for us to research a new technology application for our WEC, customized for islands and other micro grid applications, which are a significant target market for Eco Wave Power.” PEA - microgrid operator on the Thai island The Provincial Electricity Authority (the “PEA”), will act as the microgrid operator on the island The Thai electrical state enterprise, the Provincial Electricity Authority (the “PEA”), will act as the microgrid operator on the island and minimize the capital cost of electricity to provide an electricity tariff, as inexpensive as monthly mobile charges, without incurring any asset ownership and maintenance costs for residents. Aquatera, with its close collaboration with AIT, will be active in seeking further private and public investment for similar pilot projects in Thailand’s islands and even neighboring Southeast Asian countries with excellent potential for wave energy pilots. PEA officials said: “PEA is a leading organization in the region, which focuses on providing efficient, reliable electricity services, related business for developing the quality of life, and sustainability of economics and society.” Eco Wave Power Eco Wave Power is a major onshore wave energy technology company that developed a patented, smart and cost-efficient technology for turning ocean and sea waves into green electricity. Eco Wave Power’s mission is to assist in the fight against climate change by enabling commercial power production from the ocean and sea waves. Eco Wave Power received funding from the European Union Regional Development Fund, Innovate UK and the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 framework program. The Company has also received the 'Global Climate Action Award' from the United Nations.
Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, unveiled their HyFlex™ demonstration unit, its Hydrogen Power Generator in Gothenburg, Sweden. During an event held with Hitachi Energy’s technology partner, PowerCell Group, around 100 senior representatives from companies in various industries took part in the demonstration. Integrated and scalable plug-and-play generator The medium-power variant provides power for temporary installations and is designed for 400-600 kVA This innovative solution is an integrated and scalable plug-and-play generator for temporary or permanent installation, where power grid connections are impractical, and diesel generators are not an option. The medium-power variant provides power for temporary installations and is designed for 400-600 kVA. The high-power variant caters to permanent installations and will provide 1 MVA or more per unit and can be installed in parallel to meet the customer’s specific power needs. HyFlex™ HyFlex™ is completely emission-free, producing only AC power, usable heat, and water. In comparison, a 1 MVA diesel generator running at full load combusts roughly 225 kg of diesel and emits 720 kg of CO2 emissions per hour. Key applications include construction sites in remote locations or noise- and pollution-sensitive cities; mining sites to power the increasing number of electrically powered equipment like dump trucks and excavators; data centers, hospitals, and hotels that require an emergency backup supply of power and/or heat; and shore-to-ship applications at ports to sustainably power ships at berth as an alternative to diesel generators. Decarbonizing hard-to-abate applications “We are delighted to unveil this pioneering solution that decarbonizes hard-to-abate applications,” said Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service at Hitachi Energy, adding “As the transition to Net Zero progresses, more and more industries are looking for reliable ways to reduce their environmental impact and improve operational performance.” Hydrogen Power Generator demonstration unit Hitachi Energy is developing a Hydrogen Power Generator demonstration unit with PowerCell Group Hitachi Energy is developing a Hydrogen Power Generator demonstration unit with Gothenburg-based fuel cell manufacturer PowerCell Group. PowerCell has provided the power modules and know-how in fuel cell integration and Hitachi Energy has the balance of plant and expertise in power electronics, batteries, cooling, intelligent control, and systems integration. Hitachi Energy expects to launch a movable variant of this eco-friendly generator for temporary deployment in late 2024 and the permanently deployable variant in 2025. Hitachi Energy provides a grid-to-stack solution With the unveiling of this breakthrough technology, Hitachi Energy now has a complete solutions portfolio across the green hydrogen value chain. In addition to hydrogen-to-power solutions, the portfolio includes power-to-hydrogen (or grid-to-stack) solutions for electrolyzer systems that optimize the entire power supply, from the high-voltage grid connection to the DC stack terminals of the electrolyzer. Hitachi Energy has already provided a grid-to-stack solution for a 20 MW electrolyzer in Sweden and is providing a similar solution for a 20 MW project in Finland. As the hydrogen ecosystem is gearing up for gigawatt-scale projects, Hitachi Energy is well positioned as a partner of choice to provide optimal power supply systems that deliver the highest efficiency, reliability, and power quality.