Hitachi Energy releases new EconiQ transformers

2021-10-21 Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy has announced the introduction of EconiQ™ transformers, developed using eco-design principles with sustainability in mind.

Eco-efficient by design and based on scientific methodologies for transparency, the EconiQ transformers are further evidence of the global technology and market leader’s commitment towards carbon-neutrality – a target set out in the business’ Sustainability 2030 strategic plan. In its recent ‘go live’ press release, Hitachi Energy announced that it is championing the urgency of the energy transition by pioneering technologies to help accelerate a carbon-neutral future.

Transformers are critical for enabling an efficient and safe flow of electricity by adapting voltage levels. From generation to final consumption, electricity passes through an average of four to five transformers; in this process, transformers are estimated to consume almost five percent of the electricity generated worldwide as heat losses.

EconiQ transformers contribute additional environmental value in the areas of decarbonization, enhanced safety for people, protection of ecosystems and responsible use of resources across the transformer’s life-cycle. Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ transformers have co-creation at their heart. The transformers will be tailored based on specific customer sustainability requirements and using proven scientific methodologies, such as environmental Life Cycle Analysis.

For example, one of the EconiQ transformers – a 115/21 kilovolts (KV), 40 mega volt-ampere (MVA) – is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 23 percent¹ over the life-cycle, while reducing eutrophication and water toxicity impacts by about 15 percent. It would also eliminate the related environmental impacts in the rare event of mineral oil leakages.

“Solving the urgency of the global energy transition requires both collaboration and innovation,” said Bruno Melles, Head of the Transformers business at Hitachi Energy. He continued, “I am excited about co-creating sustainability solutions together with our customers – and our EconiQ™ transformers are directly helping to accelerate the journey towards a sustainable energy future for all.”

Key aspects of the design are further optimized such as enhanced energy efficiency and the responsible use of materials through processes such as recycling and waste disposal. The use of biodegradable insulation fluids with higher flash and fire points, helps to safeguard surrounding ecosystems from the risk of pollution and increase safety for people. In the first phase, the EconiQ transformers will be available for liquid-filled applications.

The transformers are manufactured using fossil-free electricity in Hitachi Energy’s factories. The business has set targets in its Sustainability 2030 plan to become carbon-neutral in its own operations and it expects to hit the first-step target achieving 100 percent fossil-free electricity in its own operations by 2022.