How the EconiQ Station Service Voltage Transformer 145 came to life: An Interview with Arthouros Iordanidis

At Hitachi Energy, we don’t just build products; we solve real-world challenges. 

And the EconiQ Station Service Voltage Transformer (SSVT) 145 is designed to do exactly that. It is the latest addition to our EconiQ eco-efficient high-voltage portfolio, which champions sustainability through products, services, and solutions proven to deliver reliable performance with exceptional environmental benefits.

Developed to meet the newest eco-efficient market requirements and considering the application of AIS instrument transformers, this new EconiQ SSVT uses technical air instead of SF₆ for insulation. EconiQ SSVTs are the simplest and most effective technology that can serve as a crucial startup power source for the development of large installations, like solar and wind farms, as well as data centers. They can supply power to rural areas without distribution lines and can even provide auxiliary backup power in substations when a high-voltage line is available.

We sat down with Arthouros Iordanidis, Head of Global Product Group Grid Components at Hitachi Energy, to explore why the EconiQ SSVT 145 was developed, the value it brings to the end-users, and its role in supporting a carbon-neutral energy future.

What is a Station Service Voltage Transformer (SSVT) and what are the key benefits?

An SSVT is basically a smart solution that combines the functions of a power transformer and an instrument transformer in one compact unit. 

Its main job is to step down high transmission voltages to lower levels that are suitable for distribution, making it perfect for handling small power needs in substations or industrial setups. Think of it like a faucet connected to a high-pressure flow, which reduces it to a gentle, usable stream for your sink. The EconiQ SSVT 145 does the same thing, but with electric current!

SSVTs feature a robust design that ensures reliable performance while maintaining simplicity. 
Their cost-effectiveness, compact size, and the fact that they are rapidly deployable, make them a smart choice for utilities and industries seeking efficiency, speed and compact backup auxiliary power within existing substations, or as a startup power source for new installations. 

Another big advantage is its flexibility; an SSVT can operate as a standalone unit for single-phase loads, or it may be set up in a three-phase configuration to handle larger power output.

What inspired the development of the EconiQ SSVT 145?

The idea originated from a challenge posed by customers: how can you quickly deliver power to people in the most sustainable way when running long-distance, low- or medium-voltage lines is impractical? 

In certain cases, putting a new distribution line in is either too complex, takes a lot of time, or is simply not possible, so a smarter solution was needed. To meet sustainability goals and comply with the upcoming SF₆ regulations in various regions, no SF₆ gas should be used.

From the very beginning, the focus was on creating something that would fit seamlessly into existing systems while delivering real value. The result is a product that meets today’s requirements and is ready for whatever the future brings.

Do you have any real examples/experiences where it became challenging to energize remote areas?

Over the past decade, SSVTs have been successfully deployed in solar and wind farms, substations, and data centers across Europe and the United States, helping ensure a reliable auxiliary power supply.

Another good example of energizing remote areas is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 
where the local community lacked access to electricity despite a transmission power line being nearby. We installed an SSVT there that enabled us to power the entire village, including its school. This installation led to improved living conditions and brighter prospects for the community. 

Discover more about this impactful project in the video below. 

What are the key advantages of EconiQ SSVT 145?

The new EconiQ SSVT 145 offers several advantages, including:

1. Availability: It provides stable power as it taps directly from a high-voltage line, benefiting from the stability and availability of high-voltage grids to generate low-voltage power that can be used in a variety of applications.
2. Cost effective: It is an ideal and cost-effective solution for electrifying remote areas, which can be deployed rapidly. Compared to power transformers that also step-down voltage, this product eliminates the need to build extensive infrastructure. In this context, time truly equals money.
3. Low environmental impact: This innovative solution is fully compliant with the most stringent climate and emissions regulations currently in place. Its silent operation enhances user comfort while minimizing noise pollution in surrounding areas. Furthermore, it requires significantly less physical space compared to traditional alternatives, making it ideal for urban settings where land use efficiency is crucial. Another benefit is that the minimum level of load losses and no-load losses of EconiQ SSVT gives the lowest environmental impact when compared to conventional multiple step-down logic - from HV to MV first and then from MV to LV.
4. Modularity: Our offering includes two versions based on the required power output: up to 60kVA and up to 125kVA. This modular design acts like a flexible building block; if necessary, customers can easily expand their system by adding additional units of EconiQ SSVT 145. 

What impact does this product have on customers when it comes to efficient grid integration?

The major benefit of the EconiQ SSVT 145 is its efficiency, both in time and resources. The short time to deploy is a big advantage, and the EconiQ aspect makes it a solution that contributes to a more sustainable world. Finally, when compared to traditional power transformers, the footprint of the EconiQ SSVT 145 is significantly advantageous. 

What sets EconiQ SSVT 145 apart from other solutions on the market?

The EconiQ SSVT 145 is specifically designed for the rapid installation of renewable plants and data centers in remote areas. This capability enables faster commissioning and, consequently, lower costs.

What kind of feedback have you received so far?

The response to the EconiQ SSVT 145 has been positive, sparking significant curiosity and interest. In events where the customers have had the opportunity to experience the product firsthand, we have observed high levels of interest. The EconiQ SSVT 145 represents a new iteration of an existing product, leveraging the extensive knowledge and heritage of SSVT, which has historically received favorable feedback for similar offerings. It will have a positive impact on our customers and the broader community by providing power to previously underserved areas and facilitating the rapid construction of large-scale remote installations such as renewable energy farms and data centers. We are confident that this product will drive sustainable growth and innovation.

What is next in the EconiQ Instrument Transformer product portfolio?

We are already working on expanding our EconiQ Instrument Transformer portfolio with exciting new products. Our goal is to keep evolving the product portfolio in ways that support a sustainable and secure energy future – and bring value to our customers. That means listening closely, iterating quickly, and staying ahead of the curve.

Thank you, Arthouros, for taking the time to share your insights and explain more about EconiQ SSVT 145. 

EconiQ is the way forward - Final thoughts

EconiQ SSVT 145 isn’t just a new product — it is a smarter way to ensure power is available to everyone. It is clear that this technology is pivotal in bringing electricity to places without existing power distribution, or as backup auxiliary power, while significantly reducing environmental impact. With its powerful features, eco-efficient design, and focus on real-world performance, it was built to make a difference from day one.