With the Net Zero target of 2050 rapidly approaching, Ireland is making progress in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy – but much more needs to be done. Central to these efforts is technology that helps to streamline the functioning of the grid, boosting flexibility and reliability. This is not only essential when incorporating and distributing renewable sources of energy, but also in dealing with current challenges facing our systems.
A key example is the aftermath of Storm Éowyn last month, when 25,000 ESB customers were still without power almost two weeks later.
“Digitalisation will play a huge role in the energy transition,” commented Ruairi Williamson, manager at Hitachi Energy Ireland. “We’ll have a much more complex energy system, with more distributed energy resources. We need to cater for this increasing complexity while dealing with current challenges, for instance, in the aftermath of storms to ensure power reliability and efficiency. Digital solutions that can create resilience and flexibility in the power system are needed to ensure power continuity as we experience an increasing numbers of storms.
We are also investing in reliable AI in our products, especially in relation to forecasting
“These solutions can help when there are peaks in demand, to get that balance right between supply and demand.
“While renewables integration is key, in addition to grid upgrades, we are also considering the complexity of energy storage in increasing reliability of supply, including technology such as battery energy storage systems: how they can facilitate and bring about more clean energy for the consumer as well as the pivotal role they will play in ensuring a reliable, clean, and resilient energy future.”
AI is also playing an important role. “We are also investing in reliable AI in our products, especially in relation to forecasting – for instance, a wind farm developer would want to estimate how much energy they can produce in five years and balance that against the cost of constructing the wind farm. AI can also help to ensure your assets are being maintained and that they’re in good health and that maintenance is scheduled to identify any potential early stages of wear and tear early on, so that the assets can be optimised for as long as possible.”
Digitalisation
Williamson leads the Irish arm of Hitachi Energy, a global technology company that provides digital solutions and energy infrastructure for sustainable power systems. The company plays a critical part of the grid supply chain providing technology, equipment and software for the transmission and distribution grids. Digitalisation is a vital part of its operations; by leveraging digital tools and data analytics, Hitachi Energy is enabling utilities and clients to make informed decisions, optimise operations and achieve their sustainability goals.
“Hitachi Energy is a global technology organisation, with 46,000 people around the world headquartered in Zurich. In Ireland we have 80 of that local workforce here locally.
“Currently in Ireland we’re seeing big changes in how the power is coming off the grid especially in terms of data centres, which want more power to help with their operations. We also support getting more power on the grid with the connection of wind and other renewables. And increasingly we’re supporting transportation with the change to electrification.
“Our strength lies in the fact that we are a global organisation. We have the advantage of learning from the successes we’ve had in other countries. Ireland has a big target to reach, but we have a natural renewable on our doorstep – offshore wind. In countries such as the UK, Poland, Germany and Netherlands, we’ve supported big offshore wind farms that connect to the grid – so we have experience to bring to Ireland when looking at these massive infrastructure projects.
“These projects are critical to our energy security, as we try and decouple from fossil fuels in in a very volatile international market. We don’t have oil and gas but offshore wind gives us a natural edge.
“There’s also a massive economic benefit for Ireland when it comes to these kind of projects. They bring with them a phenomenal amount of job creation, and often, in quite remote places. This adds to the re-energisation and regeneration of rural communities, which is so important.”
Our strength lies in the fact that we are a global organisation. We have the advantage of learning from the successes we’ve had in other countries
Hitachi Energy’s clients in Ireland are diverse, explains Williamson. “We have core, or traditional, clients, who we continue to support. These would be entities like EirGrid, ESB and Northern Ireland Electricity. Their business is also changing quite a bit as they try to build out the grid to make sure it’s more sustainable, more flexible, more resilient and more secure from cyber attacks. Supporting these companies through this transition is a core part of our business and we are currently deepening our relationships with them.
“Our service offering is also scaling up. We operate as a local organisation within a global operation – we have a local service team to support our customers. The work we do and the equipment we handle is highly dangerous – you’re talking about huge voltages – and you need the right safety training and protocols. We have an excellent service team that is supporting ESB with their operations; plus we have signed a long-term service agreement with EirGrid. We’re seeing more and more customers needing that local service base, and so we’re looking to scale up that side of our business.
Plenty of challenges
“Then we are working more in transportation, helping clients like Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann as they transition from diesel or gas-powered vehicles to electric. This enables them to deliver a new green sustainable service for those communities that they serve.”
There are plenty of challenges facing the company, but Williamson says that these can often be seen as opportunities too. “As a country, we’ve probably been a little slow with large-scale infrastructure projects, in comparison to, say, the UK. That’s both a challenge and an opportunity.
“There’s also a challenge in attracting and retaining talent. We try to make sure we can attract people to the industry, get them excited and motivated with what we do in the industry. And then help them develop a career. It helps to be a global player, as it opens doors and can offer exciting opportunities for young people.
“Young graduates now are looking to work on projects that are impactful on society and create good in the world. The work we do drives sustainability and brings real economic advantage to often rural communities – and this brings about societal change for the better.
“Our team is growing about 120 per cent year on year, and that’s set to continue as we continue the race towards 2050 and Net Zero.”
Ultimately, Williamson says the company is in a strong position as a leader in energy transition solutions and support. “We have strong leadership and determination in the business – and belief that our digital investments are going to help with the energy transition and accelerate our energy transition as a country.
For more, see hitachienergy.com/uk-ie/