How a Hitachi Engineer Is Revolutionizing Power Grids Through Retrofits

A Hitachi engineer has spent over a decade advancing sustainable power solutions through retrofit technologies. Their work focuses on upgrading existing equipment to cut emissions, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. The journey began with academic research and now spans global collaboration within Hitachi ABB Power Grids.

The engineer's path started at university, where they studied electrical engineering and presented findings at academic conferences. In 2013, they joined Hitachi, Ltd., assigned to the Ibaraki site of the Research & Development Group. There, they specialised in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), a key technology for modern power grids.

Their current role is at the Kokubu Office in Hitachi City, Japan, as a Product Engineer in the Service Business Unit. The focus lies on retrofit solutions—upgrading older systems with the latest tech to extend service life, lower costs, and shrink environmental impact. The engineer highlights retrofitting as a sustainable choice, slashing CO₂ emissions, conserving resources, and speeding up project timelines.

A major shift came in 2020 with the launch of Hitachi ABB Power Grids, a joint venture that expanded global reach. Daily collaboration with international engineers followed, though specific data on innovation speed remains undocumented. The engineer takes pride in Hitachi's digital culture, where 2D drawings and paper plans have given way to precise 3D modelling for smoother retrofits.

The engineer's vision centres on sustainability, safety, and reliability—delivering both performance and peace of mind to customers. Future plans include continued research and development, with a focus on refining retrofit technologies. Their work aligns with broader efforts to modernise power infrastructure while cutting environmental harm.