Zurich, Switzerland, Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy today announced that it has achieved the stage one goal set out in its Sustainability 2030 plan – the use of 100% fossil-free electricity in its own operations. The company is striving to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 20302, in line with its goal, “Promoting a Sustainable Energy Future for All”.
“By achieving 100% fossil-free electricity in our own operations, we have reduced our CO2 equivalent emissions by more than 50% compared to 2019,” said Claudio Facchin, CEO of Hitachi Energy. He continued, “The Net Zero Challenge is global and it is about acting now, innovating and collaborating across countries, industries and societies. Together with our customers, partners and all stakeholders, we are advancing the global energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure. »
The targeted 50% reduction achieved ahead of schedule will equate to approximately 175 kilotonnes of CO2e per year, which is equivalent to taking more than 35,000 passenger cars off the road.
To achieve 100% fossil-free electricity in its own operations – and in support of the Hitachi Group’s carbon neutral goal3 – the company has followed a number of paths, including supporting its own fossil-free electricity, such as the installation of a solar roof panels combined with e-meshTM digital solutions for distributed energy resources maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing CO2 emissions. At its Zhongshan factory in China, the company generates almost 20% of its total energy consumption from solar panels. In its first year of operation, the electricity produced at the plant is expected to reach 1,510 megawatt hours (MWh), contributing to the reduction of annual carbon emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes.
To achieve 100% fossil-free electricity, Hitachi Energy also switched to green tariffs, purchased Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) and signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for all of its operations. and installations in 90 countries.
Looking ahead, Hitachi Energy continues to invest in its journey to carbon neutrality by further increasing energy efficiency and electrifying its own operations. In Ludvika, Sweden, the company now uses 100% renewable electricity generated from hydropower and solar panels to support its operations. Ludvika, which is one of Hitachi Energy’s largest generating facilities, has gone above and beyond managing its electricity supply and is now on the verge of phasing out the use of all fossil fuels from the all of its operations.
The company has a proven track record of implementing its own technologies in its operations to enable the integration of renewable energy. For example, in 2015, its operations in South Africa installed a 750 kW rooftop photovoltaic power plant and a 1 MVA/380 kWh battery-based PowerStoreTM to improve the use of renewable energy and provide a continuous supply of electricity. .
Through its 2030 Sustainable Development plan and objectives, the company reinforces its commitment to accelerating actions that stimulate business in a sustainable way. Based on four pillars – Planet, People, Peace and Partnerships – the strategy draws inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on the following eight: 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions); and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). In line with these SDGs, each pillar has corresponding goals that drive the company to deliver social, environmental and economic value.
Remarks
1. The contract for its operations in South Korea (equivalent to 0.4% of total electricity consumption) is expected to be signed in February 2022 retrospectively via green tariffs.
2. Read more about Hitachi Energy’s approach to sustainability 2030 here
3. Hitachi Sustainability Report 2021
About Hitachi Energy Ltd.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industrial and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with our customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation needed to accelerate the energy transition to a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the global energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure while balancing social, environmental and economic values. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and an unrivaled installed base in over 140 countries. Based in Switzerland, we employ approximately 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately US$10 billion.
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a better quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as a social innovation enterprise . Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the environment, the resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to improve safety and security. Hitachi solves problems faced by customers and society in six areas: IT, energy, mobility, industry, smart life and automotive systems with its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company’s consolidated revenue for fiscal 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 about Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.
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Hitachi Energy – Promoting a sustainable energy future for all
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