Hitachi Energy has announced the opening of its expanded Service Center in Drammen, Norway, enhancing its ability to refurbish and modernize transformers and high-voltage equipment. This expansion, inaugurated on November 12, will enable Hitachi Energy to meet growing global demands driven by renewable energy initiatives and the push for increased electrification across sectors.

The Drammen facility, now one of the largest transformer service centers in Europe, offers extensive life-cycle support services, focusing on preventative maintenance to extend the lifespan of transformers. Through advanced refurbishment techniques, the center aims to reduce equipment failures and unexpected downtimes, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and supporting grid reliability. This approach also aligns with circular economy principles by minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency.

This expansion is part of Hitachi Energy’s recent $1.5 billion commitment to bolster its global transformer service and production capacity. Norbert Beatrix, HUB Manager for Europe in Hitachi Energy’s Transformers Business Unit, highlights the sustainable benefits of the Drammen center, comparing the refurbishment process to restoring an older vehicle with modern parts. He notes that the center’s upgrades enable older transformers to operate effectively for decades longer, thus supporting clients' sustainability goals.

The facility itself incorporates green energy practices, including on-site solar panels, which allow it to meet nearly all its energy needs, further reinforcing Hitachi Energy's commitment to sustainable operations. Bård Lund, Country Managing Director for Hitachi Energy in Norway, described the facility as a "center of circular economy," focusing on reducing resource use while promoting industry-leading sustainable practices.