Features | Smedjebacken, Sweden | 14.11.2024 | 2 min read
Deputy Prime Minister opens new factory in Smedjebacken
New expanded HVDC factory in Dalarna in central Sweden to meet the demand for large-scale power transmission over long distances
Factory will have an equal workplace with over 50 percent women in production
Today, one year after announcing the expansion, Hitachi Energy is inaugurating its new, modern factory in Smedjebacken with Ebba Busch, Minister of Energy and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, representatives from the municipality, region, and local business representatives and employees.
Hitachi Energy in Sweden is on a growth journey, with extensive investments and new recruitments driven by the accelerating demand for the energy transition. The investment in Smedjebacken is part of the company's expansion initiatives, announced in November 20231. The expansion includes a new 3,300 sq m factory in Smedjebacken, which will increase the production of advanced power electronic valves in high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) and power quality solutions.
The new factory, which began construction at the beginning of 2024, is now ready, with production expected to start after the turn of the year. The new facilities expand the existing Hitachi Energy factory in Smedjebacken, while further expansion of HVDC operations in Ludvika is underway and is expected to be completed in early 2025.
The demand for our world-leading HVDC technology is extensive, and today we confirm our commitment to continue investing and expanding our production in Sweden.
HVDC technology is pivotal in the evolution toward a sustainable energy system. I'm extremely proud of this next step, transforming our power grids and driving a clean, interconnected energy future.
Andreas added, "At Hitachi Energy, we work consciously to enhance diversity and inclusion. Distinctive for the factory in Smedjebacken is the dedication to achieving an even gender distribution in the workplace."
In 2023, Hitachi Energy signed one of Sweden's largest export contracts. Earlier this year, the company announced an extensive investment and capacity increase at the plant in Ludvika. This is part of Hitachi Energy's expansion plan to invest approximately SEK 3.7 billion to expand its operations in Sweden across the entire product portfolio and to recruit an additional 2,000 employees by 2027 to contribute to the clean transition.
Hitachi Energy has over 6,500 employees in Sweden, based out of approximately 16 locations in the country. The largest facilities are in Ludvika, with Smedjebacken, which has approximately 4,500 employees, and in Västerås with approximately 1,200 employees.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, a transformative force that has revolutionized power transmission and enabled the integration of renewable energy on a global scale. HVDC technology has evolved over seven decades to become the cornerstone of efficient, long-distance electricity transmission. Pioneered by Hitachi Energy in 1954, the company has integrated more than 150 gigawatts (GW) of HVDC links around the world into the power system. Its wide range of applications highlights its potential to transform the global energy landscape toward greater interconnectivity.
