Shaping India’s Energy Landscape: Insights from N Venu, MD & CEO of Hitachi Energy

**Powering India’s Energy Future: An Interview with N Venu, MD & CEO of Hitachi Energy**

Hitachi Energy is strategically enhancing its capabilities to meet the increasing energy demands in India, with significant investments in capacity expansion and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. The company aims to maintain its leadership in core segments while expanding its presence in high-growth areas such as data centers.

India’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, characterized by a surge in renewable energy, modernization of infrastructure, and technological advancements. Amidst this transition, Hitachi Energy is playing a crucial role in shaping the nation’s energy landscape. In this exclusive conversation, N Venu, Managing Director and CEO for India and South Asia at Hitachi Energy, shares insights into the company’s strategic roadmap for FY 2025–26, the significance of HVDC technology in India’s energy transition, and the evolving relationship between transmission and energy storage systems.

### Strategic Growth Amidst a Dynamic Energy Landscape

As Hitachi Energy outlines its strategies for FY 2025–26, Venu emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth amidst the changing energy landscape. “India’s energy sector is at a turning point, with a heightened focus on renewables, grid modernization, and managing peak demand. We leverage our deep expertise and global experience, combined with local insights, to maintain a competitive edge,” he explains.

The company remains committed to sustaining its leadership in core sectors like utilities and HVDC technology while also strengthening its foothold in high-growth industries such as data centers. Over the past four years, Hitachi Energy has made substantial investments, averaging around INR 100 crore annually. In FY 2024–25, the company successfully raised INR 2,520.82 crore through its first Qualified Institutional Placement, which will be directed towards capacity expansion, working capital for major projects like HVDC, and other growth initiatives.

### Major HVDC Projects and Capacity Expansion

Recently, Hitachi Energy secured two significant HVDC orders: the Bhadla–Fatehpur and Khavda–Nagpur projects. Venu notes the impact of these orders on existing capacity, stating, “Each HVDC project typically has a gestation period of four to five years. Given the extensive work involved, our timelines are spread out, allowing us to manage multiple projects without overlapping execution schedules.”

To further enhance its capabilities, Hitachi Energy inaugurated an advanced power systems factory in Chennai in February 2023, anticipating the rising demand for HVDC solutions. With over 70 years of expertise in HVDC technology, the company is well-equipped to deliver comprehensive HVDC solutions globally, supported by a skilled team in India.

### The Role of Energy Storage in Renewable Integration

When discussing the ongoing debate surrounding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as alternatives to HVDC technology, Venu highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to achieving India’s renewable energy goals. “India’s ambitious targets for renewable energy require diverse solutions. Our focus should be on creating an ecosystem where different technologies complement each other, rather than compete,” he asserts.

A recent study indicates that about 93% of power generation investments are now directed towards clean sources, with solar-plus-storage options proving more cost-effective than coal. This trend is evident in major solar projects in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, which necessitate a blend of technologies to efficiently deploy clean energy while ensuring grid stability.

Venu also emphasizes the critical role of HVDC technology in reducing transmission losses over long distances and enhancing grid stability, particularly with variable renewable energy sources. The Ministry of Power’s mandate for co-located energy storage systems alongside solar plants reflects India’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy objectives through multiple pathways.

### Commitment to Service Excellence

With the establishment of a new Service Business Unit, Hitachi Energy aims to set new standards in service excellence and deliver unparalleled value to its customers. “As global energy systems expand to meet the rising demand for clean energy, it is crucial to foster a safe, reliable, and flexible ecosystem,” Venu explains.

This new unit will leverage Hitachi Energy’s extensive installed base in transmission and distribution, along with decades of experience and established partnerships, to support customers throughout the lifecycle of their energy infrastructure. In India, the company is rapidly advancing towards its renewable energy commitments, having added 30 GW of renewable energy capacity in FY 2024–25.

“The energy transition is not only about sustainability but also about supply security and affordability,” Venu states. To support the growth of renewable energy, a robust HVDC and grid connectivity network is essential for the seamless integration of clean energy, while maintaining long-term growth drivers.

With the new Service Business Unit fully operational by April 1, 2025, Hitachi Energy’s immediate goal is to maximize its existing INR 82,000 crore installed base developed over the past 75 years, collaborating closely with all business units to deliver a comprehensive service portfolio.

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This interview sheds light on Hitachi Energy’s strategic vision and commitment to powering India’s energy future, positioning itself as a key player in the nation’s transition towards a sustainable energy landscape.