Mannheim, Germany, July 13, 2026 – Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, has been awarded an order to deliver an advanced grid connection solution for a new data center developed by Kauri CAB Digital Infrastructure in Frankfurt, Germany. As rising electricity demand, the shift toward electrified industries, and the rapid expansion of data centers place increasing pressure on power grids in the region, the project addresses the need for resilient connections at the edge of the system.
To address these constraints, Hitachi Energy will provide a dedicated 110kV grid connection engineered for high reliability with a compact footprint. The solution enables efficient integration of data centers into a constrained urban energy environment, where space optimization and proximity to demand hubs are critical. By reinforcing the interface between the transmission and distribution grids, the project supports stable and reliable accommodation of growing electricity demand.
“Power systems are evolving faster than at any point in recent history, shifting from stable, centrally planned networks to highly dynamic systems that must integrate concentrated new demand, variable power flows and rising resilience requirements. The edge of the grid is increasingly where many of these pressures converge,” said Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service at Hitachi Energy. “By delivering compact and advanced grid connections, we help customers such as Kauri CAB move forward with confidence, while strengthening the resilience of the broader electricity system and further reinforcing our strong position in the data center market.”
Electricity demand is increasing at an unprecedented rate, with global consumption projected to rise by approximately 50 percent by 2050¹. Digitalization, particularly the rapid expansion of data centers, is a key driver of this growth, introducing large, concentrated loads to power systems traditionally designed for more stable and predictable demand profiles.
Secure and reliable access to electricity has become a critical enabler for data center operations. As digital infrastructure continues to support core economic activities, including cloud computing and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, reliability at the point of grid connection is essential. In this context, Hitachi Energy operates across the data center field with an end‑to‑end portfolio, reflecting the growing need for coordinated approaches to reliable electricity access as digital infrastructure expands.
Across Europe, addressing this demand will require substantial and sustained investment in grid infrastructure. Industry estimates suggest that approximately €67 billion per year will be needed in distribution grids alone through 2030 to mitigate congestion and avoid delays in connecting new loads within key demand centers².
The Kauri CAB project demonstrates how close collaboration between infrastructure developers and grid experts can reduce connection risks, accelerate implementation, and ensure the reliable integration of new demand. It further reinforces Hitachi Energy’s role as a trusted partner to data center developers and utilities, supporting both the expansion of digital infrastructure and the broader energy transition.