Hitachi Energy leverages global innovation experience to support Chongqing’s energy transition and international collaboration

James Zhao, Executive Vice President and Head of North Asia Region at Hitachi Energy, attended the 20th Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council Annual Meeting and delivered remarks under the theme, "Integrating Global Innovation Resources and Deepening Open Scientific and Technological Cooperation." He shared Hitachi Energy's experience supporting Chongqing through global innovation and offered recommendations to strengthen international technology collaboration and advance innovation in the energy sector in the AI era.

James Zhao noted that global electrification is accelerating, with electricity accounting for an increasing share of end-use energy consumption and demand for critical power equipment and services continuing to grow. China has built the world’s largest and most advanced power grids and has made strong progress in renewable energy integration, operating voltage levels, transmission capacity, and grid reliability, helping shape the development of power technologies worldwide.

As a global technology leader in electrification, Hitachi Energy brings more than a century of expertise in power systems. Over four decades in China, the company has supported customers in delivering numerous landmark projects. In Chongqing, building on its strong transformer manufacturing presence, Hitachi Energy continues to combine global technologies with localized capabilities to support the development of the city’s new power system.

In 1998, Hitachi Energy established its first joint venture in western China, Chongqing Hitachi Energy Transformer Co., Ltd. Today, the Chongqing facility has become one of the company's largest transformer research, development, and manufacturing bases globally, serving as a key hub within its worldwide network. Products manufactured in Chongqing are exported to more than 30 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

As the world's largest transformer manufacturer, Hitachi Energy leverages its shared TrafoStar™ platform across nearly 20 transformer factories worldwide to accelerate innovation and the deployment of advanced technologies through global collaboration. In 2025, the company's Chongqing facility launched the world's first 765-kilovolt (kV) natural ester-filled transformer, providing a greener, safer, and more reliable solution for extra-high-voltage AC power transmission.

Hitachi Energy's technologies are also supporting key energy infrastructure projects across China. In the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission project, a major project under China's 14th Five-Year Plan, the company's Chongqing facility supplied converter transformers for the Yubei converter station. As Chongqing's first UHV receiving-end converter station, it serves as a critical component of the city's energy infrastructure, helping deliver clean electricity safely and efficiently into the local grid and supporting sustainable economic and social development.

"Hitachi Energy has been part of Chongqing’s energy development for many years, working closely with local customers and partners to apply global expertise in support of reliable, sustainable, and resilient energy systems," said James Zhao.

"At the same time, we are leveraging Chongqing's manufacturing strengths and global market connections to help local partners expand internationally and integrate into global value chains. As Chongqing advances the development of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient new energy system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, its priorities align closely with Hitachi Energy's strategic direction. We will continue to bring together our global footprint, innovation capabilities, and technology expertise to support Chongqing’s international collaboration and energy transition."

Speaking on the future of energy development in the AI era, James Zhao noted that new power systems and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly interconnected, with digital and energy technologies reinforcing each other. Hitachi Energy has built expertise in areas including power supply and demand forecasting, equipment diagnostics, virtual power plants (VPPs), and energy asset performance management. The company looks forward to supporting more AI-enabled energy applications in Chongqing and accelerating the energy transition.

Drawing on Chongqing's strong industrial base, extensive application opportunities, and Hitachi Energy's global experience, James Zhao offered three recommendations:

Adopt advanced global technologies and strengthen open innovation

Encourage the introduction of advanced international energy technologies and resources, while strengthening collaboration among enterprises, universities, and research institutions to enhance Chongqing's energy industry capabilities.

Scale successful Chongqing practices for international markets

Use Chongqing's industrial base and application opportunities to accelerate the piloting and deployment of innovative technologies, while leveraging multinational companies' global networks to bring proven local practices to international markets.

Develop international talent for power systems in the AI era

Leverage the technology expertise and training resources of multinational companies to develop professionals with capabilities in both power systems and artificial intelligence, building a stronger talent foundation for future growth.

James Zhao concluded that, through collaboration across government, industry, academia, and research institutions, Chongqing has the potential to become a globally connected innovation hub. Hitachi Energy will continue to support the deployment of clean power innovations from Chongqing to international markets and help accelerate the global energy transition.