Hitachi Energy has announced an investment of over US$200 million to significantly enhance its operations in Brazil. Accordingly, this forms part of the previously announced US$1.5 billion investment plan to ramp up global transformer manufacturing capacity.

The investment is the largest one-time investment ever made by the company in Brazil. Incidentally, the announcement came during the celebration of Hitachi Energy’s 70th anniversary in Brazil. Moreover, this will create more than 600 direct jobs.

In addition, this will also include the expansion and modernization of the Guarulhos’ transformer factory in São Paulo. Also, the construction of a state-of-the-art greenfield transformer manufacturing facility by 2028.

Bruno Melles, Managing Director, Transformers Business, Hitachi Energy said the global energy transition is driving unprecedented momentum in the energy industry. Thus, it is important for stakeholders to collaborate and take urgent action for a sustainable future.

In addition, Melles said, “At Hitachi Energy we are leading this change and investing to expand our global footprint. (Thus,) (meeting) our customers’ long-term needs and positively impact our communities.

Unprecedented Levels of Investment

Hitachi Energy is leveraging its global footprint to support the global demand of transformers. Specifically, amid the global efforts to further electrify the energy system. Factories like those in Guarulhos and Blumenau in Brazil has the full backing of the company’s experienced and committed teams. Therefore, supporting customers across the Americas, Europe, and Middle East with power, distribution transformers, shunt reactors, components and services.

During its 70 years in Brazil, Hitachi Energy has supplied transformers for major HVDC transmission systems like Belo Monte II. Another is in Itaipu, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants. Meanwhile, the Rio Madeira, is one of the longest and most powerful transmission links in the world at 2,375 kilometers.

Transformers are an important part of the power value chain, enabling efficient transmission and distribution of electricity and facilitating the decarbonization of the energy systems. They are a key component for applications such as integrating renewables, grid interconnections, powering data centers, and electrifying transportation.

Hitachi Energy is the world’s largest transformer manufacturer in terms of installed base, portfolio range, manufacturing capacity, and market coverage. Thus, it has over 90 transformer factories and service centers across the world.

13 September 2024