Those who have chosen EPDItaly tell their story: Hitachi Energy Italy S.p.A.

What are the main reasons that pushed you towards the voluntary EPD certification?

The energy sector, in which our unit operates (high voltage equipment and systems), looks to the future and the evolution of this equipment, to improve performance and optimize the entire product life cycle.

Hitachi Energy is sensitive to the issue of environmental sustainability, in particular the Lodi unit, with always innovative and cutting-edge products. The production process of each component and the factory itself affect the environment.

In accordance with these premises, the Lodi unit of Hitachi Energy has decided to start the certification process, both to objectively certify the sustainability of individual equipment, but also with the aim of making the organization aware of environmental issues at all company levels.

Our equipment is insulated with SF6 gas, as has always been the industry standard. It is known that this gas dispersed in the environment has an important greenhouse effect. Over the years, Hitachi Energy has studied products that perform better by reducing the content of this gas by up to 50%, drastically reducing the potential threat.

More recently, Hitachi Energy has undertaken a technological breakthrough to completely replace this type of gas with an SF6-free blend. This involves the development of new equipment and systems, which are compatible with this insulating mixture and with the company’s sustainability objectives.

These new products are part of EconiQ™, Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability, where products, services and solutions are capable of delivering outstanding environmental performance, compared to conventional solutions.

Which product of your company has obtained the EPD? What are its main features?

The certified products to date are:

Compass  I  145kV-170kV  unipolare/tripolare

An outdoor HV circuit-breaker consisting of 3 separate poles with a single command for each pole, or a single command for all poles. The particularity of this product is that in addition to the breaking function, the current measurement function (current transformer) is also integrated on the same object.

Modulo  Ibrido  Multifunzione  245kV

The multifunction hybrid module is made up of several components which, when connected to each other, perform the functions of interruption, disconnection, current measurement and voltage measurement in a very limited space.

This type of apparatus has the advantage of having very small dimensions. It is assembled and tested directly in the factory, ready to be installed on site. The product design allows significant savings on materials, assembly times in the factory and assembly on site.

What are the main advantages obtained from the publication of the Environmental Product Declaration? What are the repercussions on the final consumer?

Hitachi Energy, which promotes a sustainable energy future for all, puts the sustainability of its products and actions at the centre. With its Sustainability Plan 2030, it sets challenging objectives along four dimensions: planet, people, peace (i.e. governance) and partnership. Each of these dimensions is broken down into specific, measurable and monitored objectives to take into account the progress and effectiveness of one’s actions.

Obtaining an environmental certification is therefore important in this sense, but it is also a source of pride for us and is appreciated by our main customers.

Due to the characteristics of the product and the reference sector, the repercussions are on the entire energy generation and distribution process. The process is ‘greener’ and, ultimately, the end user also benefits.

Do you think that EPDItaly can contribute to spreading the culture of product sustainability?

Certainly, the contribution of EPD Italy is fundamental and, for this reason, Hitachi Energy has an interest in certifying other equipment as well.

How important, in your opinion, is the presence of sustainable Italian products within a Program Operator that makes the international network one of its strengths?

Having certified Italian products allows you to bring Made in Italy to the world, which is a mix of quality, design and – in this case – sustainability. For us at Hitachi Energy’s High Voltage Products unit, it is a great opportunity to be known and appreciated everywhere.