"Hitachi Energy Inaugurates Largest Global Tech and Innovation Center in Chennai"

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin marked a significant milestone on Thursday by inaugurating Hitachi Energy's largest Global Technology and Innovation Centre, nestled in the vibrant city of Chennai.

Spanning an impressive expanse of 3,00,000 square feet, the centre boasts an extensive 50,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory space. Owned by Hitachi Energy Technology Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Energy Ltd. based in Switzerland, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as the epicenter of innovation and technological advancement in the energy sector.

The centre is set to accommodate over 2,500 energy transition technologists who specialize in the domains of transformers and grid automation and integration. Conceived as a self-sufficient ecosystem, this facility is poised to offer support to businesses operating across diverse segments.

A unique aspect of this centre is its consolidation of engineering and research and development capabilities cultivated by Hitachi Energy over the years. The facility is geared to undertake more than 1,000 projects annually, catering to businesses worldwide. Its wide-ranging competencies encompass engineering, project management, tendering, supply chain management (SCM), customer service, marketing, and cybersecurity.

During the inaugural event, Chief Minister Stalin lauded the establishment of such a world-class innovation and technology centre in Tamil Nadu. He noted, "Such world-class innovation and technology centres coming up in Tamil Nadu reflect the quality of our local talent and will further boost the state's vision of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030."

Claudio Facchin, Chief Executive Officer of Hitachi Energy, underscored the company's dedication to pioneering innovation and sustainability. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Chennai centre, stating, "With our pioneering spirit and commitment to people and innovation, Hitachi Energy remains focused on advancing a sustainable energy future for all. This centre in Chennai is a strategic investment that accelerates innovation, digitalization, and engineering capability to support our customers in advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible, and secure.”

Tamil Nadu is rapidly gaining prominence as a burgeoning hub for innovation, research, and development, accounting for 15% of doctorates and 11% of postgraduates in India. T R B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce in Tamil Nadu, remarked, "Tamil Nadu is emerging as a vibrant knowledge hub and is one of the most sought-after places globally for research and innovation."

N Venu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer – India and South Asia at Hitachi Energy, expressed the centre's dedication to promoting the "Made in India for India and the world" initiative. He stated, "The new Global Technology and Innovation Centre supports our vision of made in India for India and the world. Through diversity and collaboration, it is geared toward delivering real-impact in research & development (R&D) and end-to-end engineering of global projects.”

The inauguration of Hitachi Energy's Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Chennai is not just a testament to the region's technological prowess but also a significant leap towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

BS