Hitachi Energy and SP Energy Networks join forces to deliver sustainable critical infrastructure for clean energy future

Hitachi Energy and distribution and transmission network operator SP Energy Networks (SPEN) agree on long-term partnership for Hitachi Energy to provide critical equipment that is free from the world’s strongest greenhouse gas.

Hitachi Energy will provide SF6-free switchgear from its EconiQ® portfolio

Power grids currently rely on sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), the world’s most potent greenhouse gas which is 24,300 times more climate-hostile than CO2* and remains in the atmosphere for over a thousand years.

Press Release – United Kingdom – 23rd April, 2025. Hitachi Energy and SP Energy Networks (SPEN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which formalises both companies’ commitment to Scotland’s energy transition by deploying sustainable critical energy infrastructure.

The agreement will see Hitachi Energy provide switchgear from its groundbreaking EconiQ® portfolio. Unlike traditional equipment, the EconiQ equipment does not use sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) – the world’s most potent greenhouse gas, which is widely used in critical power grid infrastructure and is 24,300 times more climate-hostile than CO2. This ensures Hitachi Energy’s SF6-free technology will support SPEN in its critical role to help Scotland achieve net zero by 2045.

The first installations of the EconiQ 420 kV GIS will take place in two new planned substations on SPEN’s network, critical to the UK’s energy transition. These will effectively remove the equivalent of the CO2 emissions produced from around 27,600 passenger vehicles from the road in a year.

The agreement builds on a long-term collaboration between the two companies to facilitate the connection of renewable energy for use by electricity consumers across the country.

The arrangement will enable SPEN to deliver projects central to the UK energy transition and to meet regulatory commitments made with UK energy regulator Ofgem.

This agreement will help power Scotland’s future and contribute to its net-zero ambitions, and we could not be happier to be the ones enabling it to meet its targets with our SF6-free EconiQ switchgear. We are at a critical point in the energy transition journey and decarbonising the transmission network is a priority: this means modernising the country’s energy infrastructure to stimulate economic growth, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to a cleaner, more resilient energy system for future generations.

Andre Gargi, Global Head of Marketing & Sales for the Business Unit High Voltage Products in Hitachi Energy

Decarbonising the grid as we build the transmission network needed for the energy system of the future is a vital step on the journey to net zero and it’s great to have Hitachi on board as a trusted partner. This agreement marks a milestone moment for SP Energy Networks as we continue to invest to upgrade our network while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. I have no doubt this partnership will help us deliver a cleaner, greener and better future, quicker.

Pearse Murray, Transmission Director for SP Energy Networks

Notes to the Editors

* Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) sixth assessment report

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all. Together with stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 45,000 people in 60 countries and generate business volumes of around $13 billion USD.

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About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.