Hitachi Energy has unveiled plans to build a renewable energy generation plant adjacent to its Figeholm factory in Sweden, marking a significant step toward achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030. The initiative focuses on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the global shift to cleaner energy sources.
The new facility will power the Figeholm factory, which produces cellulose-based insulation materials critical for power transformers. The plant will replace heavy oil with wood pellets, a renewable energy source sourced under globally recognized sustainable biofuel standards. The process will employ a heating system with a steam boiler to supply energy to the factory’s presses, significantly reducing Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the carbon footprint of the factory’s products.
Norbert Beatrix, Hub Manager for the Europe Region in the Business Unit Transformers, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative and said, “Figeholm is a great example of how we are strongly committed to lead the energy transition urgency through our own operations across the world. The company is continuously investing in major expansions, driven by the accelerating transition to renewable energy, and we at the Transformers Business Unit are heading up the way to meet our customers demand with the highest sustainability standards.”
Tobias Hansson, Country Managing Director, Hitachi Energy in Sweden said, “Hitachi Energy’s main purpose is to accelerate the clean energy transition, and this starts with our own footprint by aiming to become carbon neutral in our operations by 2030.”
The Figeholm factory, with nearly 100 years of history, is a vital player in supporting efficient power generation, transmission, and distribution. It produces high-purity insulation materials known for their mechanical and dielectric strength, essential for the performance of power transformers. The factory employs around 120 workers, all of whom will be trained on the new renewable energy system. The renewable energy plant is expected to be operational by the summer of 2026, further reinforcing Hitachi Energy’s commitment to sustainable operations and innovation.
