Announced over $100 million in the state-of-the-art testing facility for large power transformers, including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and an engineering and design center, which will create around 70 jobs, to enable capacity expansion.
To address fast-growing customer demand for sustainable energy in North America, Hitachi Energy is upgrading and modernizing its power transformer factory in Varennes, and other facilities in Montreal. More than $100 million (approx. $140 million CAD) in projects around Montreal will include funding from the Government of Quebec through Investissement Quebec.
“At Hitachi Energy we are continuously developing our global footprint and capacity to address our customers’ mid- and long-term needs.”
Bruno Melles, Business Unit Transformers, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy
This investment is in line with Hitachi Energy’s recent announcement to ramp up its global transformer manufacturing capacity to support the long-term plans and electrification efforts.
The Varennes facility is Hitachi Energy’s premier manufacturing location for large power transformers in North America, supporting national and regional power grids, and serving utility-scale renewable energy projects. The establishment of a new on-site transformer testing facility in Varennes is a critical element of the company’s efforts to meet growing demand in the province for sustainable energy solutions.
“In addition to our global investments, the support of the Quebec Government will help to address North America’s rising demand for transformers to support fast-growing sectors like renewable energy, data centers, and industrial electrification, as Quebec strengthens its role as a key player in the energy transition,” said Bruno Melles, Business Unit Transformers, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy.
The additional 130,000 square foot (approx. 12,000 square meter) facility will support the certification of power transformers manufactured in Varennes, serving as an essential part of the final acceptance process for customers. The testing facility is expected to be completed before the end of 2027. This initiative aligns with Quebec’s broader strategy to meet its ambitious energy goals, including the need for more than 150 terawatt-hours (TWh) of additional energy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 – around twice what Quebec consumes today.
Transformers play a key role across the power value chain, enabling efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. They are a key component for applications such as integrating renewables, grid interconnections, powering data centers and electrifying transportation, facilitating the decarbonization of energy systems.
