Hitachi energy has reiterated its strategy of advancing a sustainable energy future for all as it develops its energy market reach as well as its portfolio into new areas and expand beyond the grid.

Hitachi Energy, formally known as Hitachi ABB Power Grids, is also examining its impact on societies and how it can improve lives and inspire others, beyond technical innovation.

“Hitachi Energy has pioneered many of the technologies needed for advancing a sustainable energy future for all, with the company committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation,” Hitachi Energy sub-Saharan Africa MD Malvin Naicker says of the company’s aim of ensuring the world’s energy system is sustainable, flexible and secure.

“The world of energy continues to evolve and therefore Hitachi Energy is developing its energy market reach and portfolio into new areas, expanding beyond the grid.”

By 2050, global electrification will nearly double in demand and electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system.

“It is crucial that we take on the challenge of accelerating the pace of change. “We need to support this global challenge with global solutions, and that is where Hitachi Energy stands to play a key role,” says Naicker.

In line with this vision, Hitachi Energy, in August, implemented a broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) shareholding structure with The Power Grids South Africa Education Trust and strategic shareholder black women-owned Ubora Investment Group.

The education trust was established to contribute to the empowerment and upliftment of black women in South Africa.

The trustees will identify and select black females as beneficiaries of scholarships, bursaries and awards for study and research in engineering and related fields of study.

“Ubora invests in energetic enterprises showing initiative and resourcefulness, as well as the necessary agility to adapt and respond to change, in order to build high-quality products and offer exceptional services to the people of South Africa in the pursuit of a sustainable and prosperous future for all,” adds Ubora CEO Claire Du Bourg.

Ubora is a subsidiary of the Kutana Group of companies, led by Thoko Mokgosi-Mwantembe, who will join the board of Hitachi Energy South Africa.

“Through strategic investments in businesses, our aim is to support these businesses as a whole – maintaining their established success while ensuring quality of life for employees, their families and the communities involved,” highlights Mokgosi-Mwantembe.

The shareholding structure is an important part of Hitachi Energy’s commitment to empowering the communities it works with, as well as making a meaningful contribution to the industry, where the company is positioning itself as a market leader, says Naicker.

“Our main focus will continue to be the improved management of networks for utilities and assisting them with the energy transition to the grid of the future, in addition to maintenance and life-cycle extension,” he concludes.