Managing electricity in a grid powered by renewable energy
Hitachi Energy’s innovative hybrid transformer makes Italy’s grid more resilient
The sun is shining, and not a single cloud can be seen in the blue sky in Brindisi, a town in Salento, sometimes described as the “heel” of the Italian “boot.” Nearby, at a distribution substation in Mesagne, the world’s first hybrid transformer has been successfully commissioned. Set against the scenic backdrop of the ancient Via Appia, surrounded by olive groves and Baroque architecture, Enel and Hitachi Energy have piloted a pioneering 250 kW installation. This joint initiative exemplifies how innovative technology can enable smarter electricity management in a world increasingly powered by renewables. This is particularly interesting for Brindisi and its peri-urban area, where the total installed power capacity of the small solar plants matches the installed power of the loads.