In a transforming energy landscape, India is embracing renewables, system upgrades, and smart technologies like never before. At the center of this shift is Hitachi Energy, guided in India and South Asia by N. Venu, Managing Director & CEO. In an exclusive conversation, Venu outlines how the company plans to support India’s grid modernization, drive renewables integration, and future-proof infrastructure—with a strategic roadmap shaped around FY 2025–26  .

A Vision Anchored in Today’s Energy Revolution

“The energy sector is in a defining shift,” Venu explains. India’s simultaneous rise in renewable generation and push toward digital infrastructure has created momentum for deep-seated change. Central to this evolution is High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, which Hitachi Energy is deploying to enhance energy transmission efficiency and reliability—especially important for handling variable renewable sources  .

This effort isn’t isolated technology—it’s part of a broader architecture. Venu highlights a powerful synergy between transmission networks and energy storage systems. Once paired, these systems enable grid operators to balance intermittent renewables intelligently, stabilizing supply and addressing peak-demand challenges .

Hitachi Energy’s Strategic Roadmap for FY 2025–26

Venu delves into Hitachi Energy’s focus areas:

1. Scaling HVDC Projects

   Projects like the Khavda–Nagpur HVDC link exemplify India’s ambition to transmit renewables efficiently across geographies. Hitachi Energy is poised to play a pivotal role in enabling these long-distance renewable corridors  .

2. Grid Modernization & Substation Evolution

   Beyond transmission lines, the company is upgrading substations with smart, digitally enabled equipment. This forms the core of a resilient, responsive grid built for the unpredictable nature of renewable energy .

3. Energy Storage Integration

   “Storage is a game-changer for renewables,” emphasizes Venu. Harmonizing solar and wind generation with battery energy storage systems (BESS) ensures reliable delivery, especially during low generation periods  .

4. Manufacturing and Capacity Investment

   Hitachi Energy has earmarked ₹2,000 crore over 4–5 years to boost transformer factories, expand testing facilities, and strengthen manufacturing for substation and railway traction equipment—marking a significant localization play  .

India’s Roadmap: Make-In-India Meets Energy Independence

Aligning with national priorities like Make in India, Hitachi Energy is transitioning from a mere supplier to a lifecycle partner for utilities, system integrators, and grid operators. From large-capacity HVDC systems to compact distribution transformers, their manufacturing strategy focuses on scaling localization and enhancing supply‑chain resilience .

Key investments include:

• Enlarging power transformer production for grids.

• Upgrading testing labs for specialty transformers.

• Relocating bushing and traction transformer facilities—benefitting grid and railway modernization  .

This expanded capacity positions Hitachi Energy to cater not just to India’s grid needs, but to support exports from India-made energy systems—underscoring its global ambitions.

Partnership With Karnataka: A Strategic Manufacturing Hub

A recent MoU with the Karnataka government elevates that strategy into action. Venu notes how Bengaluru’s ecosystem—its IT expertise and engineering talent—complements Hitachi Energy’s vision to:

• Bolster manufacturing and R&D capacity,

• Co‑innovate smart grid solutions,

• Empower energy transition initiatives regionally, with potential global deployment  .

From deploying SCADA in state utilities to supplying the Bengaluru metro and airport systems, Hitachi Energy has been active in the region for decades. This MoU cements deeper collaboration with local stakeholders .

Government Policy: Enablers of Energy Transformation

Venu applauds the Union Budget 2025–26, which prioritizes infrastructure and clean energy investment. He highlights several crucial policy moves:

• National Manufacturing Mission for high-voltage equipment, batteries, and electrolyzers.

• Incentives like Basic Customs Duty waivers on critical minerals and lithium-ion batteries.

• A push toward private participation in nuclear power and proposals for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047  .

 

Looking ahead, Venu calls for:

• Streamlined regulatory frameworks,

• Faster transmission approvals,

• Expansion of PLI schemes into energy storage and green hydrogen,

• A structured carbon trading mechanism to push toward decarbonization  .

What This Means for India and You

For policymakers, energy providers, and businesses, the implications are profound:

• Grid Smarter: HVDC links, digital substations, and storage systems will build a resilient network capable of meeting green energy objectives.

• Jobs and Manufacturing: ₹2,000 crore investment promises skill development, factory growth, and global export readiness.

• Regional Spin-offs: Partnerships in Karnataka and other states will boost the ecosystem of suppliers, service providers, and tech talent.

• Investment Confidence: Strong government policy alignment makes India a stable destination for clean-energy infrastructure investment.

Final Thoughts

India’s energy transition is gaining speed—and Hitachi Energy, under N. Venu’s leadership, is positioning itself as an architect of that future. Through HVDC transmission, energy storage integration, and bold investment in local manufacturing, the company is turning strategic vision into practical reality.

As India surges toward a carbon-neutral grid and clean-power goals, players like Hitachi Energy bring the operational excellence and innovation we’ll all depend on. With century-defining investments, deep regional partnerships, and policy synergy, the future of India’s energy looks efficient, sustainable, and bright.