Energy pioneers
Hitachi Energy was officially incorporated on June 30, 2021, but our story began long before that. With over a century’s worth of heritage – passed down from both our predecessor company, ABB, and our parent company, Hitachi Ltd. – ours is a story rooted in a long-standing tradition of technological innovations that have provided real impact not only to our customers but also, and more importantly, to society at large.
Three-phase generator power transmission illustration from the 19th century
Our story begins in late 19th Century Europe when electrical engineering companies, ASEA and BBC (Brown Boveri & Cie), were formed during the Second Industrial Revolution. It was a period of great technological advancement, and pioneering companies such as ASEA and BBC found success by introducing electrical power transmission, rail, and other similar industrial technologies.
Namihei Odaira, Hitachi’s founder
Around the same time and on the other side of the world, Japan was in the midst of its own industrial revolution. The modernization programs introduced during the Meiji era allowed and encouraged innovative visionaries such as Namihei Odaira to participate in the formation of Japan’s industrial base. In 1910, at 36 years of age, Odaira founded Hitachi with the goal of "contributing to society through the development of superior, original technology and products."
In the decades that followed, these three companies would become industry leaders in their own right. In 1988, ASEA and BBC merged to form ABB. The new company was headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, had revenues of $17 billion, and employed 160,000 people around the world. Its Power Grids division, in particular, distinguished itself as a key player in the looming energy transition, with innovative energy solutions and pioneering technologies that helped balance the growing need for electricity while reducing environmental impact.
Renewed purpose
In 2020, Hitachi and ABB’s Power Grids’ business came together in a joint venture to form Hitachi ABB Power Grids. By combining ABB’s world-class power grids solutions with Hitachi’s advanced digital technologies, the new company uniquely positioned itself as a market and technology leader, with an active role in the global energy transition and the decarbonization of energy systems.
A year later, after the formal registration of Hitachi Energy Ltd., our evolution to Hitachi Energy was announced, reflecting the rapidly evolving energy landscape and the opportunity to inspire the next era of sustainable energy. On December 28, 2022, ABB divested its remaining equity stake in the joint venture, and Hitachi Energy fully transitioned under Hitachi Ltd.
Hitachi Energy headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland
As Hitachi Energy, our story as a pioneering technology leader in electrification continues. We are committed to powering the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, secure, resilient, and affordable, making electricity more accessible to all and empowering societies to thrive.
Our story, 1883 - 2022
