Hitachi ABB Power Grids inaugurates new surge arrester factory in China
New state-of-the-art factory features automated production lines to increase capacity, while ensuring safe and environmentally sustainable operation.
Image source: Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Switzerland, Zurich: New state-of-the-art factory features automated production lines to increase capacity, while ensuring safe and environmentally sustainable operation.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids has inaugurated a new surge arrester factory in China to meet the growing demand for safe and reliable energy. The new factory moves to the company hub site in Xiamen, southeast of Fugian Province from the existing manufacturing site established in Shenzhen in 2012.
The existing hub in Xiamen is already home to the production of state-of-the-art gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), gas-insulated lines (GIL) and GIS components up to 1,200 kV – the highest voltage level in the world. In addition to the factories, the hub also houses laboratories capable of performing tests on all high-voltage products up to 1,200 kV, as well as training and service capabilities. Furthermore, a technology centre facilitates close collaboration between the business’ R&D experts and customers, enabling the co-creation of innovative power solutions.
“This new surge arrester factory, which incorporates the latest advanced manufacturing processes, sets new industry standards for achieving quality and sustainability goals”, said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business in Hitachi ABB Power Grids. “The investment will further strengthen our capabilities to support China’s development towards a sustainable energy future,” he added.
China, the world’s largest energy producer and the largest energy consumer, has an annual growing installed power generation capacity of 5 %. As the country moves into a new ‘energy revolution’ for cleaner, high-efficiency and digital technologies, China will account for 40 % of the anticipated global renewable capacity by 2024.
Surge arresters are an essential component for increasing the reliability of the electricity network in this energy revolution. This is because they serve as the primary protection of electrical equipment against overvoltages. As a global technology leader, Hitachi ABB Power Grids has more than 75 years of experience in designing and manufacturing surge arresters The business provides a complete range of products for low, medium and high voltage applications, comprising of solutions for AC and DC systems up to 1,100 kV. In China, Hitachi ABB Power Grids has produced over three million units of surge arresters, enabling safe and stable grid operations across the country.