We have been contributing to 'Make in India' initiative, much before its launch: Hitachi

The Dollar Business Bureau

Interview of Dr. Kazuhiro Imaie, MD of Hitachi Hi-Rel., India

Q.1: How did Hitachi make Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics (HHPE) in India a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Hitachi.

The demand for power electronics products is expected to increase in keeping with the development of various industries in India and Southeast Asia as well as the recent rapid growth of renewable energy market worldwide.

With this background, Hitachi has decided to take direct control of Hitachi Hi-Rel operations by acquiring 100% stake in Oct 2015, after gaining a major stake way back in 2011. This was done mainly to reinforce the power electronics business through increasing product competitiveness and expanding application fields by enhancing Hitachi Hi-Rel’s R&D, design, and manufacturing structures by making full use of the Hitachi Group’s sales/service network.

Q.2: What is Hitachi’s vision and product range?

Our vision is to be recognized as the most trusted power electronics company by supplying superior products and services. We target to lead all our current market segment be it grid tied solar inverters, UPS for industrial (non-IT) and enterprise (IT & commercial) applications, medium & low voltage variable frequency drives and other product domains.

Q.3: Please describe your establishments in India.

I am particularly pleased with the fact that we have been contributing to the “Make in India” initiative of the Govt. of India since 2011, much before its launch. HHPE has been a strong contender in the market for the last 33 years with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, both at Sanand & Gandhinagar, to manufacture power electronics products conforming to global standards to cater to the Indian and global market.

Our ultra-modern Sanand Manufacturing Works Spread over 26,000 sq mtr. is modelled on Hitachi’s Omika Works in Japan and is one of the most modern power electronics manufacturing facilities in India.

This company is a key hub, for both “Manufacturing” as well as “Research & Development”, within the Power Electronics division of Hitachi Group. The geographical advantage, value added solutions and technological leadership help us in serving the customers in India and across the globe – USA, Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and Australia.

For Solar, presently, we are operating on our maximum manufacturing capacity (150 MW / month). We have expansion plans in place and our production capacity for both Center Inverters and Variable Drives would be double next year.

Q.4: Can you tell us some more about your offerings in the Solar Industry?

We are offering highly optimized energy solutions based on Hitachi technology. For Solar, we offer grid tied solar Inverters (HIVERTER NP 201i) which is available from 250 kW to 1.25 MW capacities. With 3 level IGBT technology and wider MPPT range, HHPE inverters are delivering considerably high reliability and maximum power generation.

Hitachi 1.25 MW Solar Inverter is among the most popular grid tied Solar Inverters currently in India for its various technical advantages and major saving in EBOP.

Q.5: Please tell your readers about some noteworthy projects in solar plants built using your solar Inverters in India.

I proud to inform you that we have been chosen as Inverter partner for the world’s largest solar power plant in India (648 MW) by a leading business group and we have supplied 360 MW worth of Inverters in record time of 3 months.

In the last financial year, we have worked on a mile stone project in the country and supplied Inverters for 150 MW NTPC Ananthpur project through EPCs and successfully commissioned them within the time frame. This was the first solar plant of NTPC under UMPP scheme.

Q.6: Given the aggressive target of 100 GW Solar Power by 2022 by the Indian Government, how is your company preparing for it?

Looking ahead, we are expecting a historically strong year in the Indian solar market be it State Policies, UMPP (Ultra Mega Power Projects) or SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) projects. I am confident that, with our leading technology, strong brand name and superior products, we will further solidify our market leading position. HHPE experienced truly unique achievement – a much deserved entry into the 1000 MW Club. We are poised to achieve even bigger targets (1.5 GW) leveraging the experience gained in past.

Q.7: What is your vision and future plans for Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics?

As the Managing Director of Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, my vision is to take Hitachi Hi-Rel to a new height, to position our organization as one of the most admired company in the world, number 1 power electronics company in India, and as one of the top performing of Hitachi group companies with power electronics business at the centre contributing significant growth in revenue and profit.

With expertise, experience and an efficient product line, we will always try to be a leader in power electronics sector. One of our values – Customer Delight, encourages us to realize our customer’s expectations and to serve them better - All Time, Every Time.