1. Accelerating grid modernisation
The growth of renewable energy, electrification and large industrial loads is increasing pressure on transmission and distribution networks. Modernising and strengthening the grid is critical to ensuring reliable, secure and affordable electricity for the future. Addressing these challenges requires more than technology alone. It requires long-term thinking, early engagement, and coordinated action across the entire energy ecosystem.
2. Building resilient supply chains and delivery models
Global demand for grid infrastructure is creating challenges including equipment lead times, material constraints and skilled workforce shortages. Success will depend on earlier planning, standardised approaches and stronger collaboration across the energy ecosystem. Hitachi Energy is making significant investments to meet the growing demand, including more than $9 billion USD to expand R&D, manufacturing capacity, engineering, and strategic collaborations.
3. Investing in skills and long-term partnerships
The grid of the future requires more than technology. Developing local technical capability, supporting workforce growth and fostering long-term partnerships between utilities, industry, government and communities will be key to delivering infrastructure at the scale and speed required. This reinforces the call to action of EEA’s Re-Energise 2026 workforce report released earlier this year for a workforce who are well connected, highly knowledgeable, and operate in steamlined, consistent ways.
4. Enabling faster decarbonisation
New Zealand’s path to net zero requires smarter integration of renewable energy, innovative technologies and sustainable grid solutions. Hitachi Energy is helping customers accelerate decarbonisation through advanced grid technologies, including grid stabilisation solutions and SF₆-free innovations. By adopting proven standards and repeatable designs where appropriate, New Zealand can reduce complexity, improve delivery efficiency and make better use of global manufacturing capacity.