The transformation of ASEAN’s energy landscape, particularly the power grid sector, is crucial for achieving a green and sustainable future. It is undergoing remarkable changes driven by a series of megatrends and an urgent need to address a multitude of societal challenges. Countries are currently grappling with challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, market integration, and ageing infrastructure and workforce. These challenges are indications for the energy sector to improve its efficiency in energy supply to meet increasing energy demands in populated urban cities, and more importantly, transitioning to cleaner energy. Amidst the global megatrends and societal challenges, Hitachi anchors itself as the prominent front-runner in the transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape through its technological innovations.
While efforts have been taken to achieve a green and sustainable future, the power grid sector is encountering substantial challenges as well.
Fossil fuels remain the primary source of energy and are still playing a significant role to power economic growth and fulfilling energy demands. Currently, fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, contribute to about 80% of the total energy consumption in ASEAN countries, while renewable energy sources contribute to a little more than 14%. If measures towards adopting renewable energy are not undertaken, the trading of crude oil and natural gas in the next three decades will increase drastically.
Funding and political support are two areas that are still lacking in terms of support. Given the troubled global landscape and the power system becoming more decentralised and dynamic, it is crucial for key players and stakeholders to stay united, and pour in all resources available in terms of funding, support, and expertise to tackle the challenges ahead.
In the rural parts of some ASEAN countries, many people relocate to the bigger cities in search of better job opportunities that can potentially improve their quality of life. However, the rapid influx of such relocation can strain the existing infrastructure such as old-age, outdated power grid and other energy facilities. This is where solutions’ providers, such as Hitachi can step in to develop new technologies that provide and maintain a more stable and sustainable energy supply.
Ongoing efforts to transform the power grid sector are in line with the goals of the energy revolution, where there is a stronger emphasis on decarbonisation of power production, and electrification of industry, transport and infrastructure. As it is, 9 out of 10 member states of ASEAN have made a commitment towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Together, they can speed up the shift towards a power grid that is greener and more sustainable. Knowing that governments are actively involved in this transformation, creates opportunities for solutions’ providers like Hitachi to work together to transform the energy landscape in ASEAN.
Riding on the digital revolution wave through data analytics and digital connectivity advancements enables stakeholders to shape a sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy system for the future. Hitachi takes the lead in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), utilizing smart solutions and decades of expertise in the areas of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). By understanding societal issues, Hitachi’s digital solutions have the potential to create a more interconnected, streamlined, and intelligent power grid.
Some of Hitachi’s innovative solutions include providing reactive power support, voltage and frequency stability, fault ride-through capability, and improved grid stability. Hitachi's smart solutions go beyond just improving technology; these solutions make life better for people. By ensuring a stable power supply with fewer disruptions, and a quicker response to changes, Hitachi helps to ensure that homes and businesses have the energy they need. This means fewer power cuts, smoother energy delivery, and a better experience for everyone.
Positioned as a key player in the energy industry, Hitachi (represented by Hitachi Energy) had the opportunity to speak at the AESIEAP Technical Committee 3rd Meeting that took place from 6 to 8 June 2023 at Boracay Island, Philippines. More than 100 key players in the energy industry in the Asia Pacific region attended the meeting. Topics of discussion included issues concerning the electricity supply industry and the adoption of technological solutions. More specifically, Hitachi touched on Power Quality/Converter Solutions to help balance new challenges to the grid.
Such events allow Hitachi to showcase its technological innovations that support the power grid transformation in ASEAN. Hitachi hopes to lead this journey by empowering countries in their transition to more sustainable energy sources. Through its wide range of technologies and expertise, Hitachi is driving innovations that enhance the stability and reliability of the modern sustainable grid. As always, Hitachi is committed to developing a sustainable energy future that will improve people’s standards of living and at the same time, to reduce the harmful impacts caused by climate change.
Search
S.E.A
