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Hitachi Energy and Linxon support National Grid in achieving sustainability targets through pioneering 420 kV SF6-free gas- insulated switchgear technology

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Dec 22, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi Energy and Linxon are collaborating to strengthen London Power Tunnels (LPT), a key power infrastructure project that will ensure reliable, clean electricity supply for England's capital city. To support National Grid in accelerating its net zero targets, Hitachi Energy will deliver EconiQ 420-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and gas-insulated lines (GIL) containing no sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).As one of the world's largest investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities, National Grid has the ambition to remove all SF6 from its fleet by 2050. In 2020, it embarked on LPT project that will replace ageing high-voltage electricity cables and expand network capacity to meet the increasing electricity demand. Considered to be one of the city's largest engineering projects since the 1960s, the LPT will span 32.5 kilometers via underground tunnels in South London.Linxon is building Bengeworth Road substation for National Grid to develop the LPT infrastructure. To support National Grid in its transition to SF6-free solutions, Hitachi Energy will deliver 7 bays of its EconiQ 420 kV GIS to enable the transmission of electricity over long distances while eliminating SF6, in addition to EconiQ 420 kV GIL. The EconiQ high-voltage portfolio is 100 percent as reliable as the conventional solutions based on SF6. The installation is expected to commence by 2023."We're delighted that Bengeworth Road substation, at the heart of London Power Tunnels, will be SF6-free." said Onur Aydemir, National Grid Project Director for London Power Tunnels. "This key power project will deliver a secure energy supply to the capital, and by using sustainable technology we are minimizing the environmental impact of our operations to support the transition to Net Zero.""Following the successful collaboration with National Grid on the world's first replacement of SF (1) in existing high-voltage equipment and award-winning(2) project in Richborough, UK, we are proud to be supporting National Grid again in its transition to SF6-free solutions," said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business at Hitachi Energy. "The EconiQ GIS is based on our breakthrough SF6-free 420 kV circuit-breaker that demonstrates the reliability and scalability of the technology for the lowest carbon footprint.""Linxon is building the infrastructure to power the world with carbon free energy. Thanks to strong collaboration with Hitachi Energy, Linxon is able to provide the pioneering EconiQ SF6- free solution from Hitachi Energy for the Bengeworth substation, supporting our client to meet their sustainability targets," said Stefan Reisacher, CEO of Linxon.EconiQ is Hitachi Energy's eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability, where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance. Hitachi Energy has placed sustainability at the heart of its Purpose and is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. EconiQ website:www.hitachienergy.com/sustainability/econiq(1) bit.ly/3GbpvJZ(2) www.theenergyawards.com/ene/en/page/winners-2022About Hitachi Energy Ltd.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 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD. www.hitachienergy.comwww.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergyAbout 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 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Hitachi Energy to Provide Advanced Grid Connection for the World’s Largest Eucalyptus Pulp Mill in Brazil

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Mar 22, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi Energy, the global technology and market leader in power grids, announced today that it has won an order from Suzano, the world's leading eucalyptus pulp producer and one of Latin America's largest paper producers, to design and deliver a complete grid connection solution for the company's new pulp mill in Brazil.Suzano's new factory will be the world's largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill and Brazil's first pulp production facility to be fossil fuel free when completed in the second half of 2024. It will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons and will increase Suzano's output by 20 percent. About half of the electricity generated will be transferred to the national power grid, enough to supply around 2.3 million people for one month.The two companies have worked closely together on grid solutions for Suzano's fleet of mills over the past 20 years. In this spirit of collaboration and co-creation, Hitachi Energy has contributed its pioneering technologies and its unique system integration capabilities, engineering expertise and extensive experience of local grid code requirements. This enables Hitachi Energy to design and supply complete solutions with exceptional levels of reliability, that are fundamental for these types of application."We are honored and delighted to be working with Suzano again on this landmark project that sets a new benchmark in sustainable pulp production and shares its emission-free electricity with society at large," says Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business. "This is another example of how our solutions are advancing the world's energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure.""The construction of the new factory is the biggest investment in Suzano's history, so it is vital that the grid connection through which we generate additional revenue from our surplus energy operates at outstanding levels of reliability and availability," says Mauricio Miranda, Engineering Director at Suzano. "We chose Hitachi Energy as our technology partner based on more than 20 years of successful collaboration and consistent delivery of innovative, reliable solutions and exceptional project execution."Hitachi Energy will supply a state-of-the-art grid connection solution to enable the surplus renewable power to be transferred reliably, safely and securely into the national power grid. The solution's compact footprint is based on advanced gas-insulated switchgear and offers excellent performance in terms of efficiency and availability, while minimizing the total lifecycle cost and CO2 footprint.To secure reliability and availability, key elements of the grid connection, such as the transformers will be equipped with Hitachi Energy's digital monitoring systems to provide real- time data and performance insights and enable predictive maintenance. Hitachi Energy will provide a complete solution across the value chain, from system studies and grid code compliance to design and engineering, supply and installation and commissioning.Hitachi Energy is the world's leading provider of grid connections and power quality solutions, with an installed base of more than 10,000 projects worldwide, over 800 of which connect renewable energy sources to the grid.About Hitachi Energy Ltd.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. https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergyAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Formula One: Hamilton wins in Brazil after all-time great drive, Verstappen second

SAO PAULO (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton won the Brazil Grand Prix on Sunday (Nov 14) in one of his all-time great drives from 10th on the grid with championship leader Max Verstappen second. With three races of the season remaining, Hamilton cut his Dutch rival's lead to 14 points. The Mercedes seven-time world champion's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who started on pole, took third. With his car fitted with a new engine, Hamilton produced a peerless drive to overcome penalty points after his car was judged to have breached technical rules on Friday. That saw him demoted from pole to last in Saturday's sprint race where he took fifth to leave him 10th in Sunday's Interlagos grid after another penalty for what Mercedes hoped would be their trump card now under the bonnet. "What a race. The team did a great job, Valtteri did a great job. With the penalties, it's the hardest race weekend I've had," said Hamilton. Bottas managed to hold Verstappen, starting alongside him on the second row, at the first bend but the Red Bull driver took the lead shortly after. Hamilton was picking off the cars ahead of him with ominous ease and after both had pitted twice Hamilton surged past Verstappen on lap 59 to seal the race and revive his bid for a record eighth drivers' title. Qatar stages the next chapter of 2021's gripping title battle next Sunday. More on this topic   Related Story Formula One: Constructors' title most important, says Hamilton, who takes five-spot grid penalty   Related Story Formula One: Lewis Hamilton credits halo for saving his life in crash

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Honda Introduces Initiatives for the Utilization of Honda Mobile Power Pack, portable and swappable batteries

TOKYO, Oct 29, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today held a media briefing on the further utilization of Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP), Honda's portable and swappable batteries, and initiatives for the expanded utilization of renewable energy. Honda eMaaS ConceptImage of electricity peak shavingA summary of the conference follows.Initiatives for the expansion of renewable energy utilization- In pursuit of carbon neutrality -- Achieving an adequate electricity supply-demand balance by installing a "buffer function" using MPP and other devices.- Improving usability of renewable energy by addressing the key issue facing renewable energy, its sensitivity to natural conditions, by reducing the charging load on the power grid (with the use of the "buffer function").- Considering the possibility of supplying electricity stored in MPP to the power grid in case of a power shortage. Honda is striving to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050. As one of the initiatives Honda will pursue to realize this goal, Honda has developed the concept of "Honda eMaaS" through which Honda will contribute to the "freedom of mobility" and "expanded use of renewable energy" by connecting electrified mobility products and energy service. Based on this concept, Honda will expand the use of renewable energy by broadening the range of electrified products through electrification of its motorcycle and automobile products and through more utilization of MPP and also by enabling infrastructure-linked smart power operations. One of the challenges in using renewable energy as a power source is that the amount of electricity generated cannot be tailored to the actual demand because the amount of electricity generated fluctuates depending on natural conditions such as weather, climate, and time of day. When the amount of power generation is too small compared to the power demand, it could cause power outages. In reverse, the amount of power generation is too large, it could cause power shutoffs to prevent excess load put on the grid, which may result in disposal of excess electricity.To resolve these issues and expand the use of renewable energy, it is important to establish a "buffer function" which will help to achieve an adequate electricity supply-demand balance. The "buffer function" means the ability to adjust the amount of power supply by temporarily storing excess electricity using MPP or other devices.With the expanded use of MPP, it will become easier to use renewable energy which is sensitive to natural conditions. For instance, when an excess amount of electricity is generated during daytime hours through solar power generation, MPP will serve as a buffer by storing such excess electricity. Then, during late afternoon hours when electricity supply runs short of the demand, the electricity stored in the MPP during the daytime can be used to achieve peak-load shifting (or "peak shaving" that lowers and smooths out peak loads) to reduce the charging load on the power grid. Moreover, further down the road, Honda is considering the possibility of supplying electricity stored in MPP to the power grid in case of a power shortage by connecting Honda Mobile Power Pack Exchanger e: to the power grid. Honda Mobile Power Pack Exchanger e: is a battery swapping station, currently under development, which can charge multiple MPPs simultaneously. Future expansion of MPP applications- Considering the secondary use of MPP which becomes unsuitable for the use of mobility products due to degradation.- Expanding the use of MPP beyond the boundaries of industries, while also working toward the standardization.Working toward the realization of carbon neutrality, Honda is striving to further expand the use of MPP for a broad range of products. At the same time, Honda is working on plans for secondary use (repurposing) of MPP when it becomes unsuitable for the use of mobility products due to a reduced battery capacity as a result of degradation, including uses as a storage battery for household use and as a power source for other products.Moreover, various companies are currently considering the development of products which will use MPP as a power source. In order to accelerate such a development and expand the use of MPP, Honda has been working toward the establishment of industry standards for portable and swappable batteries.For more information, visit https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2021/c211029beng.html. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Formula One: Vettel to take grid penalty for US grand prix after engine change

AUSTIN, TEXAS (REUTERS) - Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel will take a grid penalty at the US Grand Prix after exceeding his engine allocation for the season. The four-times Formula One world champion, a winner at Austin's Circuit of the Americas with Red Bull in 2013, has been struggling to score points recently with only one top-10 result in the last nine races. "I think we are heading into, let's say, a difficult weekend," the German told reporters. "We are changing the engine and therefore we will have a penalty. "We will see what we can do from where we start, and nevertheless, looking forward I think we can be strong here. How strong? We will see." Drivers are allowed three engines to last the season and any more than that triggers a grid drop. How many places depends on how many components of the power unit are changed. Aston Martin use the same engines as champions Mercedes, whose seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton took a 10-place grid drop for the same reason at the previous race in Turkey. The Circuit of the Americas offers at least plenty of overtaking opportunities. "I think it's a good place to do it (take the penalty) and hopefully we'll have an entertaining Sunday afternoon and get back in the mix," said Vettel. More on this topic   Related Story Formula One: Verstappen seeks Texan triumph to extend lead over Hamilton   Related Story Formula One: Hamilton cheerful but realistic ahead of US grand prix test

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Hitachi Selected as System Vendor for Demand Response Demonstration Project for the Optimization of Thai Power Supply and Demand Balance

TOKYO, May 28, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) and Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a local corporation in the Kingdom of Thailand (Thailand) today announced that they have been selected for participation in a demand response(1) (DR) demonstration project driven by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), as system vendors of the EGAT-adapted DR management system (DRMS)(2)..The project aims for system design and implementation to optimize power supply and demand balance in accordance with the comprehensive energy policy plan, Smart Grid Development Master Plan(3) that is led by the Thai government.This demonstration project centers around the DR system design of Chulalongkorn University, which is Thailand's oldest national university, and is part of efforts to build a smart grid(4) system that can expand renewable energy system capacity through the efficient operation of power distribution facilities.At present, thermal power stations are the principal domestic energy source in Thailand. Considering global warming, the Thai Ministry of Energy aims in the Thai Power Development Plan 2018(5) (PDP), which was issued in 2019 and applies to the 2018-2037 period, to realize an energy source balance that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and otherwise lightens the environmental load. It lays out a policy of more or less keeping current natural gas dependence, lowering thermal power dependence to about 10%, and adopting actively solar energy and other renewable energy sources.With the expansion of renewable energy, the difficulties of operating systems will become apparent in adjusting power demand in response to sudden changes in weather or other factors. Then, it is expected to increase the importance of measures to stabilize systems that maintain the demand and supply balance. This new DR system is an example of such measures.For many years, Hitachi has accumulated technologies, insights, and know-how by engaging in demonstration projects in Japan and abroad, going back to the early days of DR technology. Hitachi has been involved in a smart grid demonstration project(6) for introducing renewable energy in Hawaii, USA as well as Japanese demonstration projects for building virtual power plants(7) (VPP) (2016-2020)(8), which were led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in cooperation with Waseda University and power distribution departments of power companies that promote the standardization of DR and VPP technologies and systems in response to Japanese institutional design.On this occasion, Hitachi will deploy its DR and VPP solutions in the Thai project, with all the technologies and knowledge that we have, to provide a system that comprehensively manages multiple decentralized sources of renewable energy as if they were a single VPP.From May 2021, Hitachi Asia (Thailand) will start this project by building and trialing the system. This will lead into system verification conducted by EGAT with support from Chulalongkorn University between December 2021 and December 2022. In addition to providing Hitachi DR and VPP solutions, which have an excellent track record in Japan, and facilitating rapid system-building, Hitachi Asia (Thailand) will also conduct technical support and training to help Chulalongkorn University and EGAT with operations. By setting up a system for continuous support in Thailand, this will contribute to the further sophistication of the Thai smart grid system in the future.Building on the results of this project, Hitachi will expand from Thailand to other Southeast Asia countries by applying Japanese system stabilization technology and related solutions and know-how to the development of smart grid-centered DR and VPP projects as well as contribute to initiatives for stable energy supply and promote renewable energy use and decarbonization.(1) Demand response (DR): This refers to when power companies and other power suppliers suppress and control power consumption through power charges and incentive criteria, thereby keeping down power consumed by users (households and companies) to match supply capacity. It is called "demand response" because the users respond to the needs of the suppliers. (2) DRMS (demand response management system): a system that manages the issuance of demand responses.(3) Smart Grid Development Master Plan: This defines the planned policies and measures for smart grid development in Thailand as four steps. The concrete activities described in the plan include countermeasures to output fluctuations for solar power, wind power, and other forms of renewable energy, such as energy management systems, demand response, energy storage, and weather forecasting.(4) Smart grid: Advanced power grid that matches power demand and power supply in real time by using IT and control technology.(5) Power Development Plan 2018: Plan relating to power generation, including diversification of procurement fuels and predicting power demand in line with predictions for national economic growth.(6) News release from December 17, 2013: "Hitachi Commences Demonstration Site for Japan-U.S. Island Grid Project in Hawaii"(7) Virtual power plant (VPP): Technology that uses IoT technologies to control solar power and other forms of renewable energy as well as energy resources from storage batteries and electric vehicles (EV) as if they were a single power plant.(8) An initiative where METI partly funds demonstration projects relating to VPP building.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is focused on its Social Innovation Business that combines information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and products. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. Hitachi is working to increase social, environmental and economic value for its customers across six domains; IT, Energy, Industry, Mobility, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through Lumada, Hitachi's advanced digital solutions, services, and technologies for turning data into insights to drive digital innovation. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website https://www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Incorporated in 1992, Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. provides expert solutions in meeting the needs of customers in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Hitachi Asia (Thailand) is focusing on the business areas of Smart Cities, Smart Manufacturing and Smart Public Services, with the aim of contributing to the community as a responsible corporate citizen. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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