Press Release | Santiago, Chile | 10.03.2026 | 4 min read
Designed to adapt to the operational growth of one of the world’s most important mining companies, this pioneering solution combines digital technology, strategic mobility, and a firm commitment to diversity.
In a milestone for regional electrical engineering, Hitachi Energy has presented its Grid-eXpand™ solution, an advanced technology mobile digital substation designed to guarantee reliable, flexible, and secure operation in high-demand environments. The project represents the invisible gear that allows for energy flow continuity in critical sectors such as large-scale mining, achieving the goal of “making movable what is generally static”.
The development of this infrastructure responds not only to a technical challenge but to a strategic need for expansion. With more than 5,000 man-hours invested and record of zero safety incidents or environmental impact, the project consolidates Hitachi Energy´s ability to integrate global knowledge with local execution.
In this regard, Guillermo Fuentes, Manager of the Grid Integration Business Unit in Chile at Hitachi Energy, highlighted that “this project not only reinforces our leadership in mobile infrastructure solutions but demonstrates our ability to respond with agility to our clients most complex challenges, always guaranteeing the highest standard of safety and energy efficiency”.
The genesis of this mobile substation lies in the requirements of one of the leading global mining companies operating in Chile. As explained by Esteban Segura, Operations Manager Business Unit of Grid Integration, the client required a system capable of accompanying the dynamism of its operations.
“This substation arises from the need for operational growth. They needed something that could adapt and move as their plants were being commissioned. The primary challenge was portability. Here, the team's joint work was fundamental to to make this happen”, commented Esteban Segura.
Precision engineering and market vision
Technically, the Grid-eXpand™ solution is divided into two complementary mobile units. The first high-voltage trailer houses a 25 and 33 MVA power transformer, along with 69 kV GIS equipment and a digital protection and control system. These components allow the energy to be diverted to the second trailer, composed of an electrical room and a medium-voltage switchgear, in addition to control, protection, and auxiliary service systems. This configuration allows the infrastructure to be robust, yet agile enough to be relocated according to the demand of the site.
Beyond the remarkable technical aspects of this system, the substation also carries a powerful visual message. Its characteristic purple color is not accidental; it was a specific requirement from the mining company to symbolize its commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.
With this delivery, Hitachi Energy reaffirms its purpose of driving a sustainable energy future, where innovation and social responsibility converge in a single structure in motion.
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.
