Hitachi Energy has announced that it has achieved the first-step target set out in its Sustainability 2030 plan – the use of 100 percent fossil-free electricity in its operations.¹ The company is driving toward being carbon-neutral in its operations by 2030², in line with its purpose of, ‘Advancing a sustainable energy future for all’.

“By achieving 100 percent fossil-free electricity in our own operations, we have reduced our CO2 equivalent emissions by over 50 percent compared to 2019,” says Claudio Facchin, CEO of Hitachi Energy. He continued, “The Net Zero challenge is global, and it’s about acting now, innovating and collaborating across countries, industries, and societies. Together with customers, partners, and all stakeholders, we are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexibl,e and secure.”

The targeted 50 percent reduction achieved ahead of plan will amount to approximately 175 tons of CO2e per year, equivalent to removing more than 35,000 passenger cars off the road.

To achieve 100 percent fossil-free electricity in its operations – and in support of the Hitachi Group’s carbon-neutrality goal³– the company has pursued a number of pathways, including supporting projects to generate its fossil-free electricity, such as installing solar roof panels combined with e-mesh^TM digital solutions for distributed energy resources maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing CO2 emissions.

Hitachi Energy has switched to green tariffs to achieve 100 percent fossil-free electricity, bought Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), and signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) across its operations and facilities in 90 countries.

Looking ahead, Hitachi Energy is continuing to invest in its journey toward carbon-neutrality by further increasing energy efficiency and electrifying its operations.  

Through its Sustainability 2030 plan and targets, the company reinforces its commitment to accelerating actions sustainably driving business. Based around four pillars – Planet, People, Peace, and Partnerships – the strategy draws from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on the following eight:

• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Clean water and sanitation
• Affordable and clean energy
• Responsible consumption and production
• Peace, justice, and strong institutions
• Partnerships for the Goals
• In line with these SDGs, each pillar has corresponding targets that drive the business to contribute social, environmental, and economic value.

1.  The contract for its South Korea operations (equivalent to 0.4% total electricity usage) is expected to be signed in February 2022 retrospectively through green tariffs.
2. Discover more about Hitachi Energy’s approach to Sustainability 2030 here
3.  Hitachi Sustainability Report 2021