Hitachi Energy gains National Green Factory recognition for two more facilities in China

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently announced its 2024 Green Manufacturing List, with two of Hitachi Energy's local manufacturing bases in Beijing and Datong in north China’s Shanxi Province, receiving the titles of National Green Factory. This brings the total number of Hitachi Energy's local enterprises on the list to four.

MIIT has organized National Green Factory since 2017 to help improve China’s clean manufacturing system and promote sustainable industrial development. By 2024, there were over 6,400 national green factories in China. Green factories must feature intensive efficiency, clean production, waste utilization, and low-carbon energy use as a fundamental part of the green manufacturing system.

“Hitachi Energy places sustainability at the heart of its Purpose and is committed to working with customers and partners to advance the energy transition. The National Green Factory certification is a high recognition of our efforts in fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities in China,” said James Zhao, Executive Vice President and Region head of Greater China, Hitachi Energy. “We will continue to accelerate the upgrade of our business in China, supporting China’s high-quality manufacturing and the realization of its carbon goals.”

The two new companies, Hitachi Energy Power System Co. Ltd. and Hitachi Energy Datong Traction Transformers Co. Ltd., selected as green factories have integrated green development principles into every aspect of their productions and operations. In addition, in line with Hitachi Energy’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality within its operations by 2030, both factories commit to sourcing 100 percent of its purchased electricity from fossil-free sources.

Hitachi Energy Power System Co., Ltd. which recently celebrated the 70-years anniversary of HVDC-technology, is Hitachi Energy’s local manufacturing operations for China’s high-voltage direct current (HVDC) business. Following its long-term clean development plan, the Beijing facility has achieved significant energy savings and emission reductions across energy management, efficiency, transport, and recycling.

On energy management, the site has optimized its power supply and upgraded to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and exhaust systems to reduce electricity use and carbon emissions. Additionally, fuel vehicles have been replaced with electric ones in the industrial park and installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to promote clean commuting among employees. Furthermore, the facility has introduced rainwater harvesting, smarter irrigation, and waste packaging recycling to boost resource reuse. Since launching its energy management system in early 2024, the company has reduced energy consumption per unit of product by 15 percent and annual water consumption by nearly 30 percent. It continues to strive toward a “clean supply chain enterprise,” making solid progress in sustainable manufacturing.

Hitachi Energy Datong Traction Transformers Co., Ltd. provides high-quality, reliable, eco-friendly traction transformers to ensure stable and efficient operations for high-speed trains and locomotives. It is the only national green factory in Datong City that was awarded this year. The base has implemented an advanced energy management system and a scientific energy use plan in its green factory initiative. Key measures include adopting energy-efficient equipment like lighting, dust removal systems, and vacuum pumps, installing solar water heaters, and sourcing clean electricity to optimize energy structure. Compared to 2023, the base has cut its energy consumption per unit of product by nearly 30 percent and reduced office electricity use by 50 percent.

Additionally, the Datong base has ramped up R&D efforts in eco-friendly transformers, focusing on compact and lightweight traction transformer designs and using biodegradable synthetic ester oil as a cooling medium to minimize environmental impact. The base has achieved over 95 percent material recyclability and launched new products like the Effilight® series of energy-saving transformers.

Prior to this, Hitachi Energy High Voltage Switchgear (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Energy High Voltage Switchgear Co., Ltd., Beijing received the National Green Factory awards in 2022.

Note:

1.     MIIT: China adds 1,382 new national-level green factories in 2024