Image courtesy Hitachi Energy
Just under two years since securing a majority stake in power electronics and energy management solutions supplier eks Energy, Hitachi Energy has now acquired what remains.
According to Swiss tech company in a release, the acquisition enables them to deliver a scalable, flexible, and complete approach for energy storage customers.
eks Energy, based in Seville, Spain, supplies power electronics and energy management solutions for storage and renewables integration.
The remaining stake was acquired from US-based Powin, a global energy storage system provider.
According to Hitachi Energy, the integration of eks Energy’s technology and talent provides Hitachi Energy with greater strategic and operational flexibility. It allows the company to streamline solution integration and further expand its power conversion and energy storage business.
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In a release, Hitachi Energy’s Massimo Danieli commented on how the acquisition strengthens Hitachi Energy’s leadership position.
Specifically, said the managing director of Hitachi Energy’s Business Unit Grid Automation, it enables “one of the industry’s most comprehensive solution portfolios that combines proven converter and control technology with Hitachi Energy’s global scale, unparalleled grid expertise, and digital capabilities.
“The acquisition furthers our global strategy ensuring continuity for existing customers while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
Hitachi Energy’s power converter tech
Power converters play a critical role connecting power source with power supply, making sure that currents and voltage are balanced correctly for end user demand.
They are data-intensive systems, and, says Hitachi Energy, when paired with their IoT connectivity and energy management solutions, deliver insights and analytics that can be used for reliable energy supply.
The completion of the acquisition will enable Hitachi Energy to innovate faster and improve the technology.
Since the initial acquisition in 2023, Hitachi Energy says their team has strengthened capabilities for power conversion solutions, including the development of a centre of excellence in Seville, Spain, where the business is headquartered. This in turn has enabled deeper collaboration across R&D, product development, and customer delivery.
Additionally, Hitachi Energy references use cases of their power conversion solutions business in major energy storage projects, such as the Waratah Super Battery in New South Wales, Australia. The Watarah battery recently reached key milestones including commercial operation (COD) and full registration under the System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS), a fast-acting grid support system designed to maintain stability during critical events.
The business has also expanded its global footprint, says Hitachi Energy, citing the successful development and launch earlier this year of a new liquid-cooled WD4 converter platform that they say enhances performance and scalability across BESS applications for system integrators.
