Accelerating Swiss Energy Transition: massive Hitachi Energy transformer arrived in Zurich

This collaborative operation highlights not only the logistical expertise needed to position such a large piece of equipment precisely where required for operation but also marks a significant milestone in Zurich’s efforts to accelerate its energy transition towards Net Zero in 2040.

Originating from Bad Honnef, Germany – where Hitachi Energy recently announced a 30 million Euro expansion to increase its transformer production capacity and optimize operational performance – the journey of this state-of-the-art transformer was fraught with challenges. The transport team had to manoeuvre the massive load through narrow streets and underneath bridges, demonstrating the precision and planning essential to accelerate the energy transition.

Pascal Daleiden, Country Managing Director for Switzerland, expressed enthusiasm about the project's impact: "This delivery goes beyond being a logistical success; it represents a pivotal step towards transforming Zurich's energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure. By enhancing the local energy infrastructure, we are directly contributing to Switzerland's energy goals."

“The phase shifting transformer is a critical component in enhancing the grids’ capacity to integrate renewable energy sources efficiently, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply to the city of Zurich and it’s people”, adds Norbert Beatrix, Manager for Europe of the Transformer Business at Hitachi Energy. “Imagine the electricity grid as a complex network of different roads and highways. A phase shifting transformer acts like a traffic controller for this network. It helps manage how much electricity goes down which paths.”

Transformers play a key role across the power value chain, enabling efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. Hitachi Energy has over a 130 year-long history in designing, producing, and servicing customized transformer solutions in 10 countries across Europe – advancing a sustainable energy future for all.

The arrival of this transformer at the substation, following the installation, is a critical step forward in ewz’s strategy to facilitate the integration of clean renewable electricity and ensure a stable energy supply to meet future demands of the energy system. This significant achievement underscores the companies’ commitments to accelerating the energy transition in Switzerland as the country aims to reduce its greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve Net Zero.

"This transformer is key to our future energy plans. Collaborating with Hitachi Energy on this crucial project aligns perfectly with our strategy to embrace cleaner and more resilient energy sources," remarked Andri J. Casura, Head of Power Grid at ewz. "Their technological expertise has been instrumental for us as we strive to meet Zurich’s growing energy needs sustainably."

Hitachi Energy, headquartered in Switzerland and employing more than 40,000 people in 90 countries, remains focused on leveraging its pioneering technology expertise globally to advancing a sustainable energy future for all.