Hitachi Energy is investing more than CZK1.1bn ( $47m) to expand its High Voltage Products factory in Brno, Czech Republic.

This expansion is a strategic move in the company’s global efforts to support the clean energy transition.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, increasing the factory’s production capacity by over 40% and creating up to 200 new jobs.

The Brno factory, operational since 2007, is crucial in manufacturing gas-insulated lines and components for gas-insulated switchgear.

These products are essential for electricity transmission and distribution and play a significant role in integrating renewable energy sources into power grids, thereby enhancing grid reliability and stability globally.

The expansion will introduce new production technologies, including a modern welding shop with friction stir welding technology, a robotised powder coating facility, and a service centre utilising advanced digital technology.

The new building will cover over 50,000m2, consolidating all production units under one roof to improve efficiency and output.

The enhanced factory will produce high-voltage encapsulated products and components, covering a range from 72.5kV to 500kV, for use in transmission and distribution systems around the world.

The factory will also produce components for Hitachi Energy’s sustainable EconiQ portfolio, designed to replace sulphur hexafluoride in high-voltage equipment.

This expansion aligns with Hitachi Energy’s commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition and strengthening grid resilience as renewable energy gains prominence globally.

The company has invested $6bn globally to expand manufacturing capacity, engineering, R&D, and partnerships, including hiring 15,000 new employees.

In a related development, Hitachi Energy announced a $250m investment to expand its capacity, portfolio, and talent base in India over the next five years.

This is part of the company’s $6bn global investment plans, $4.5bn of which was announced in June.