Hitachi Energy opens Test Center for clients in Chile

Hitachi Energy has opened its new Test Center in Chile. Located in Santiago, the 571m² facility, with capacity for 50 control panels, enables pre-FAT and FAT testing of control, protection, and telecommunications cabinets. "Additionally, it will have demo equipment, not only focused on project delivery, but also for conducting demonstrations for clients who needs to test technologies", said José Beas, Marketing & Sales Manager for Grid Automation, South America at Hitachi Energy.

Key clients from the Grid Automation business unit attended the event and, through guided tours of the facilities, were able to learn about all the functionalities and potential of this test center. "In this space, the clients will find an infrastructure supported by extremely high technology and quality policies, along with specialist engineers and equipment to perform any necessary tests. And they doesn't need to have a test associated with a project to come here", Beas assured.

Marcio Ferraz, Vice President for LATAM of the Grid Automation business unit at Hitachi Energy, stated that clients will also have access to a well-located warehouse and specialists connected to a 24/7 global network, ensuring close local support focused on various demands. "We started with a Test Center in 2012, at other facilities, because we knew the clients needs for proximity, to understand technologies, and to conduct tests here in Chile. After the separation with ABB, we needed to expand, and the Renca (Santiago) project was born. Here, we have constant training, and the clients find a facility suitable for testing telecommunications system panels, essentially for digital substations, with the highest quality and technology standards available in the market today".

This infrastructure provides companies not only real connection simulations but also the development of new technologies. "We are testing a digital substation solution, which will allow clients to save time in their construction. Our center is capable of producing more than 300 panels a year. The specialists in Chile participate in the company's technology development area; they are top-tier professionals. Additionally, we have a control center with all project information and the highest security", added Marcos Suárez, Business Operations Strategy & Planning Manager LATAM for the Grid Automation business unit, who emphasized that all projects from the Japanese company are always oriented towards the sustainability and safety of their clients.

The client experience

"For us, having a physical place to come and see the tests, to see how things are done, will always have added value, because paper is very different from reality", said after visiting the new infrastructure Javier Cabrera, Pre-Construction Engineer for the Renewable Energies and Batteries management at ENGIE Chile.

Patricio de la Puente, head of the Electrical Transmission and Distribution Operations Unit at Codelco, expressed a similar opinion. He certified in situ that "the Test Center has a high standard and well-equipped facilities. It's clear there's a good distribution of the different elements and spaces for the requirements made, and it appears to comply with both national and international demands and regulations".

The executive also said that they are currently working with Hitachi Energy Chile on intrusion detection systems (IDS) and new SCADA systems, "therefore, it is extremely important for us to participate in these activities, because in a way we also learn what improvements Hitachi Energy might have, in this case, regarding all types of assets, hardware, and software we have, to verify if there are updates that allow us to improve our conditions and our assets in terms of supervision".

Finally, Marcio Ferraz wanted to send a message to current and potential new clients: "We invite you to come closer. The doors are open to analyze solutions and grow together".