Latest episode
New roadmap for future EconiQ® solutions
As the world pushes for net-zero emissions, SF6 has no place in the future of energy. But you know what does? Eco-efficient innovations like Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ.
EconiQ is a revolutionary portfolio that’s reliable, scalable, with the lowest carbon footprint – and completely free of SF6!
In this episode, we break down the newly unveiled EconiQ roadmap of the future:
- The new rating additions and its significance
- What this means for the reliability and sustainability of power grids
We’re joined by our expert guests Valeria Teppati, R&D Principal Development Engineer at Hitachi Energy, and Branimir Radisavljevic, Global Technology Manager for Interrupters at Hitachi Energy.
The new EconiQ roadmap is more than a vision – it’s a strategy with real milestones achieved, real technology that makes a real impact. Ready to be energized?
You can also read about it here: Navigating a sustainable future for substations with the EconiQ roadmap
🎙️Listen with: Apple, Spotify, Amazon
All episodes
- High-voltage season
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
Episode 1: The energy transition and the history of the electrical grid
The energy transition, or ‘Energiewende,’ refers to the shift from fossil fuels to renewable resources and more importantly, its bigger goal is to cut CO2 emissions overall, and high voltage is essential to achieving this.
In our first episode, Dr. Markus Heimbach takes us through the history of the grid, explains why energy networks vary across the world, and tells us about the game-changing high-voltage innovations that are shaping the grid today.
📄 Read about it here: History of the electrical grid
Episode 2: The high-voltage basics
High-voltage systems consist of several components, each serving a significant function to ensure the grid is reliable, stable, and safe.
In this episode, hear Dr. Christian Ohler breaks down the fascinating world of high-voltage systems, from different types of switchgear to the mechanics behind electricity pylons.
📄 Read about it here: High-voltage basics: The backbone of the power grid
Episode 3: High-voltage R&D powers the future
Research & Development (R&D) is the driving force behind new innovations and better solutions. It is the key to advance high-voltage solutions by creating significant and high-quality improvements.
In short, R&D makes everything more awesome. It’s all about exploring what’s possible and creating ways to make technology work better.
📄 Read about it here: Exploring future applications of high-voltage technology
Episode 4: The wonders of a switchgear factory
A factory is far from a plain and boring building; it’s a bustling hive of creativity and innovation where raw materials are transformed into groundbreaking technologies.
Our guest, Claire Carmona, Operating Unit Manager of the Gas-Insulated Switchgear factory in Europe, guides us through the manufacturing process and shares the ins and outs of a state-of-the-art factory.
📄 Read about it here: A close look at the high-voltage manufacturing process
Episode 5: Unlocking the secret to seamless high-voltage operations
Operations involve all the activities you need to do to make sure everything runs smoothly.
To tell you more about it, we invited Dirk Uhde, Head of HSE and Operations at Hitachi Energy. In this episode, he walks us through the operations process and the strategies implemented that make it more sustainable.
📄 Read about it here: Seamless operations in high-voltage is key to success
CIGRE special episodes
CIGRE special part 1: Reliable, scalable, and compact – that’s EconiQ™!
In this CIGRE special episode part 1, we invited our guest speakers, Navid Mahdi Zadeh, Global Portfolio Manager for the High Voltage Products business unit, and Arthouros Iordanidis, Head of Global Product Group Circuit Breakers and Grid Components, to take us on a fascinating journey about the history of EconiQ and how it became a frontrunner in sustainable innovation.
📄 Read about it here: EconiQ: A powerful portfolio of high-voltage solutions for a sustainable energy future
CIGRE special part 2: Hitachi Energy unveils two iconic SF₆-free world-firsts!
This electrifying episode features Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business unit at Hitachi Energy, and Christian Ohler, Head of Global Product Group Switchgear. Our experts share captivating details about these new EconiQ technologies and how they are paving the way beyond SF6 with the lowest carbon footprint.
📄 Read about it here: Hitachi Energy leads the charge with new SF₆-free EconiQ solutions
Episode 6: Supply Chain Management Excellence: Enhancing Global Strategies
This episode examines the importance of supply chain management in high-voltage products and how its role transcends basic cost-cutting when it comes to procurement. SCM involves mastering strategies that enhance an organization’s competitiveness, drive sustainability, and establish resilience in the face of global disruptions.
📄 Read about it here: Global supply chain management excellence: Innovative strategies for success
Episode 7: Why you need digital tools to elevate product quality
Quality is more than just a feature; it’s a promise of reliability, durability, and consistency.
In this episode, we invited Thomas Haas, Head of Quality for the High Voltage Products business at Hitachi Energy, to share in-depth insights about how building a quality mindset, combined with leveraging digital tools, can significantly improve the reliability and performance of every component manufactured.
📄 Read about it here: Harnessing digital tools for better reliability and quality in high-voltage
Episode 8: Transforming challenges into opportunities in the high-voltage industry
Navigating the high-voltage industry is just like exploring a complex maze, where each twist and turn represents new technologies, regulatory hurdles, unpredictable market dynamics, outdated infrastructure, and more. It can feel overwhelming! How do you choose the right path?
Listen to this episode for an in-depth conversation about the emerging technologies and strategies that could reshape our approach to high-voltage.
📄 Read about it here: How the high-voltage industry is tackling its biggest challenges
Episode 9: Does the world need F-gases?
Let’s unpack the nuances of F-gases in this episode with Rebecka Forward, Product Material Compliance Manager for the High Voltage Products business unit at Hitachi Energy. She breaks down everything you need to know about these gases into simple terms, their pros and cons, and their role in enabling the industry to move forward with better and more sustainable solutions.
📄 Read about it here: The role of F-gases in high-voltage
Episode 10: POV: You’re designing an SF₆-free future
This one is dedicated to all design engineers out there who want to know why EconiQ is the standout champion when it comes to SF6-free solutions. Together with Amaya Lago, Territory Marketing Manager for the High Voltage Products business unit at Hitachi Energy, we break down what makes EconiQ the best choice in the market, and how it was thoughtfully designed to meet today’s challenges while anticipating the needs of tomorrow.
📄 Read about it here: The tectonic shift to sustainable switchgear technology
Episode 11: Know when to reduce, reuse, and retrofit
In this episode, we dive into the world of retrofit solutions, focusing on their pivotal role in sustainability. Martin Apfl, Global Product Marketing Manager for High Voltage Service at Hitachi Energy, shares excellent insights into how industries are giving aging infrastructure a second life with innovative retrofit solutions such as the EconiQ Retrofill.
📄 Read about it here: The asset manager’s guide to SF₆-free solutions
Episode 12: Pathways to decarbonize the grid
Decarbonizing the grid is an enormous challenge faced by the industry. It’s a big task for anyone to undertake, with so many overwhelming questions – where do we even start? Does the market even have the solutions today to meet global ambitious targets in time?
It can be a daunting topic to talk about, but the good news is Christian Cingolani is here to save the day! As the Marketing & Sales Manager for the European region at Hitachi Energy, he knows everything there is to know about the decarbonization journey of the energy industry.
📄 Read about it here: Small footprint, big impact: Decarbonizing the grid one step at a time
Episode 13: Smooth and steady: The foundation of power quality
We all love it when things just work out as you’d expect– the waiter gets your order right, it doesn’t rain after getting a carwash, and your gadgets turn on with a simple click. Everything just runs like clockwork. But in reality, that isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to electricity.
From harmonics to flickers and surges, power quality issues can disrupt everything from industrial operations to our daily lives.
Tune in to this episode with Uğur Yaşa, Global Product Marketing Manager for Global Product Group Grid Components at Hitachi Energy for an insightful conversation about the many causes of poor power quality, sustainable solutions to address these challenges, and new technologies that improve grid reliability while protecting the environment and surrounding communities.
You can also read about it here: What is power quality, and why should we care?
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Episode 14: Now at your service: From downtimes to showtimes
Air fryers are a godsend – especially when you want crispy fries without the mess and fuss of a deep fryer. Easy and instant, it’s hard to imagine life without it. But like any kitchen appliance, they need regular care to keep delivering the results you expect.
Just as you wouldn’t leave kitchen appliances unattended, high-voltage systems require the same amount of TLC and proactive maintenance. Service and maintenance aren’t just about fixing issues after they occur – it’s also about keeping everything in tip-top shape to avoid problems before they even happen.
In this episode, we invited Sofia Sauvageot, Head of Global Product Group High Voltage Service at Hitachi Energy, to break down the service strategies and trends that will safeguard the high-voltage grid.
You can also read about it here: Beyond maintenance: The impact of high-voltage service to the future
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Episode 16: Anyone can thrive in the energy industry
Who says you need to be an engineer to thrive in the energy industry?
This episode shines a spotlight on the diverse opportunities available for professionals from all walks of life. We sit down with Ana Camarero, Chief Financial Officer of the Grid Integration business at Hitachi Energy, who has successfully carved out a career in energy, even without the technical background.
If you’ve ever wondered how to break into this exciting field, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired!
A note to our listeners: This episode was recorded in early 2024 and refers to information that has changed since then. Since October 2024, Ana Camarero has taken the role of Chief Financial Officer of the Grid Integration business.
You can also read about it here: Power up your future: Why the energy industry needs you
🎙️Listen with: Apple, Spotify, Amazon