Hitachi Energy hosts parallel forum at 2025 Global Energy Interconnection Conference

The Global Energy Interconnection Conference, hosted by the Global Energy Interconnection Development Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), took place from Sept. 8-10 in Beijing, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the global energy interconnection initiative’s launch. As a council member, Hitachi Energy hosted “Innovation Forum on Key Power Grid Technology & Equipment” parallel forum at the conference and was invited to participate in the seminar on global energy interconnection standards.

In the opening remarks at the forum, Liu Zehong, Executive Vice Chairman of GEIDCO, said the global energy transition has now entered a phase of comprehensive acceleration. There is an urgent need to accelerate technological and equipment innovation to ensure the safe and stable operation of power systems with high shares of renewable energy.

GEIDCO is committed to building an international platform for energy cooperation, advancing innovation in global energy and power through initiatives such as developing a world-class think tank, promoting academic exchange, and driving technological innovation into the power system. Looking ahead, GEIDCO will collaborate with all stakeholders to accelerate the development and upgrading of low-carbon technologies and equipment, making an even greater contribution to the global energy transition and sustainable development.

In the keynote speech, James Zhao, Executive Vice President and Region Head of Greater China, Hitachi Energy, outlined Hitachi Energy’s perspective on advancing power systems through key technologies, including power electronics, digitalization, and sustainable solutions. He shared examples of how Hitachi Energy collaborates with customers to drive innovation and enable sustainable development across the power, industrial, data center, and infrastructure sectors.

James also emphasized that to meet surging global demand, the company is executing an industry-leading $9 billion USD investment plan globally to expand manufacturing capacity. In China, the company has expanded its operations in Chongqing, Zhongshan, Xi’an, Xiamen, and Suqian, increasing investments to boost production capacity and strengthen supply chain resilience – supporting the transformation and upgrading of China’s and the world’s energy and power systems.

He said, “Our Purpose – Inspire the next era of sustainable energy – aligns closely with the mission of GEIDCO. Looking back over the past decade, the global energy interconnection has evolved from a visionary concept into tangible action, becoming a leading force in driving energy transformation. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, the convergence of digitalization, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and low-carbon development will reshape the energy landscape and unlock unprecedented opportunities. Hitachi Energy looks forward to deepening collaboration with your organization and its members to accelerate the building of future-ready power systems and make our due contribution to the global energy transition.”

At the forum, Xiao Jinyu, President of the Global Energy Interconnection Economic & Technological Research Institute, released the report Global Power Technology Innovation and Application 2025. Following this, Zhang Jin, from UHV Business Division, State Grid Corporation of China, delivered a speech on the theme "Future Prospects of HVDC Transmission Technology in Energy Transition."

During the panel discussion, Richard Schomberg, Special Envoy of the IEC Systems Committee on Smart Electrification, moderated the session. Industry experts from around the world shared their insights on grid technology innovation in the context of new power system development, coordination among stakeholders in promoting innovative technology solutions, and analysis of recent large-scale grid events.

Guest speakers included Jochen Kreusel, President of Transmission & Distribution Europe,  Alexandre Oudalov, Fellow Market Research & Analysis Expert of Hitachi Energy, Liu Jie, director of UHV Business Division of State Grid Corporation of China, Gao Keli, President and Executive Deputy Dean of China Electric Power Research Institute and Guo Mengjie, CEO of Beijing QU Creative Technology Co., Ltd.

As a pioneer in HVDC technology, Hitachi Energy has delivered over half of the world’s HVDC projects, integrating more than 150 gigawatts (GW) of capacity globally. In China, it has participated in over 50 HVDC projects. In 2025, Hitachi Energy will provide high-voltage direct current (HVDC) equipment for the world’s first UHV flexible DC transmission project, 800 kV Gansu-Zhejiang link, designed and built by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).

Hitachi Energy’s advanced digital solutions enable customers to overcome the complexities of the energy system and enhance grid capacity. For instance, the company has also cooperated with grid operators, power generation companies, and energy enterprises to develop virtual power plants (VPP). Its VPP project was selected for inclusion in the Global Energy Interconnection Demonstration Project List, announced at this year’s conference, standing out among nearly 300 submissions.

As the energy transition advances, rising electricity demand makes eco-efficient power equipment essential for grid decarbonization. In 2025, China’s first 420 kV eco-efficient dead tank breaker, supplied by Hitachi Energy, was successfully commissioned in Gansu Province. The company will also deliver the world’s first 550 kV SF₆-free GIS to SGCC. Meanwhile, Hitachi Energy also launched the world’s first 765 kV natural ester transformer, addressing growing demand for sustainable and high-performance solutions.

The Global Energy Interconnection Conference, now in its seventh year, has brought together over 4,800 guests from more than 80 countries, released 32 innovative research outcomes, and facilitated over 20 international cooperation projects. It has become an important platform for advancing the global energy transition and fostering deeper international energy collaboration.