ENERGY
Advanced digital infrastructure supports the growing energy demands of AI-driven data centres.
Hitachi Energy ramps up investments to support grid readiness Hitachi Energy has announced a significant expansion of its global manufacturing, R&D and engineering capacity to meet soaring demand for transformers, advanced grid technologies and digital solutions as the world prepares for exponential growth in AI data centres. The company’s multi-year investment programme of over $6 billion represents the largest in the power-grid sector and underscores its mission to inspire the next era of sustainable energy.
Mohamed Hosseiny, Oversight Country Managing Director for Africa at Hitachi Energy.
T he rapid deployment of AI infrastructure between 90 and 125 GW of new AI data-centre capacity will be added between 2025 and 2030. This expansion alone could require between 670 and 1 400 power transformers, along with extensive volumes of switchgear, disconnectors, power-electronics systems and battery-storage solutions. Current global lead times for large power transformers range between two and four years, driven by surging demand, limited manufacturing capacity and shortages of raw materials. Hitachi Energy is taking decisive action, it reports in its Gridlocked? AI’s Energy Appetite position paper. The company is significantly expanding manufacturing capacity across multiple regions, including targeted investments to support regional energy security and mitigate supply-chain disruptions. These investments are designed to strengthen production of high-voltage transformers, gas- insulated switchgear, advanced power-electronics worldwide is placing extraordinary pressure on global supply chains for critical equipment. According to recent market analyses,
solutions and digital-enabled automation systems. As part of its long-term strategy, Hitachi Energy is also modernising and expanding its global R&D footprint, particularly in the fields of digital grid management, power-system stability and next- generation transformer technology. For Africa, these investments come at a critical moment. The continent is experiencing rapid digitalisation, with increasing interest from hyperscale cloud providers and emerging AI firms. South Africa continues to lead the region in data-centre capacity, while Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt are attracting strong foreign and domestic investment. Yet grid bottlenecks, constrained transmission networks and ageing infrastructure pose challenges to the sustainable growth of the digital economy. By growing its global manufacturing capacity and reinforcing its regional presence, Hitachi Energy aims to ensure that African markets have access to the technologies they need to strengthen their grids and attract digital investment. The company’s strategy is grounded in localisation and partnership. Hitachi Energy
22 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JUNE 2026
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