Hitachi Energy marks 20 years of powering rail innovation from China

Hitachi Energy today hosted the “Rail Transit Traction Transformers and Solutions Customer Day” in Datong, North China's Shanxi Province, marking an important milestone in the company's traction transformer business and showcasing 20 years of technological achievements and industry expertise.

Over 100 customers, partners, and industry experts attended the customer event to discuss emerging trends in rail transit and explore how sustainable, energy-efficient, and reliable solutions can advance the sector’s high-quality development.

In 2006, Hitachi Energy and CRRC Datong Co., Ltd. jointly established Hitachi Energy Datong Traction Transformer Co., Ltd. Today, the manufacturing site specializes in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance services of traction transformers and reactors. As critical power equipment for rail transportation, traction transformers play a vital role in converting and distributing electrical energy, serving as essential components for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of trains and forming a cornerstone for the electrification of rail transit.

Over the past 20 years, the Datong factory has remained committed to the Chinese market and continuously strengthened its local innovation capabilities.

From intercity railways to suburban rail networks, and across complex operating environments such as extremely cold and high-altitude conditions, Hitachi Energy’s traction transformers have been widely deployed in diverse rail transit projects, featuring high capacity, lightweight design, and exceptional reliability. At the same time, the factory expanded its global footprint, exporting products to countries including Malaysia and Australia. To date, the Datong factory has delivered nearly 10,000 traction transformers to customers in China and around the world.

As China's rail transit network accelerates its transition toward low-carbon, demand for more sustainable and efficient power equipment is growing rapidly. To address these needs, the Datong factory continues to broaden its traction transformer portfolio and accelerate the application of sustainable products and technologies.

For example, the Effilight® traction transformer is approximately 8 percent lighter than conventional solutions in China while significantly reducing oil consumption, improving both energy efficiency and environmental performance. The Effilight® Traction Transformer has already been deployed in multiple intercity rail projects, including the Chongqing Jiangtiao Line, China's first dual-system suburban rail line.

The event also showcased newly introduced advanced technologies, such as the RESIBLOC® dry-type traction transformer solution, featuring an oil-free design that enhances fire safety, eliminates oil-leakage risks, and minimizes maintenance and environmental impact.  

Hitachi Energy’s newly introduced full sealed natural cooling traction transformers relies on natural air circulation to reduce energy consumption and improve overall energy efficiency.

To improve operational efficiency and market responsiveness, Hitachi Energy Datong is accelerating its smart manufacturing transformation and working to build a lean, automated and digital transformer manufacturing site. Through initiatives including a one-piece flow production model and automated material storage and distribution systems, the company has optimized production processes and enabled intelligent material management, laying the foundation for a more integrated and efficient manufacturing operation. The first phase of the project is expected to become operational by the end of August, significantly increasing overall production capacity.