KO
- Samsung C&T and Hitachi Energy sign an MOU to expand collaboration in European power grid projects, strengthening their strategic partnership
- Cooperation expands from HVDC to HVAC technologies, building integrated power grid solutions and advancing joint global projects
Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction (E&C) Group is strengthening its collaboration with global electrification technology leader Hitachi Energy to accelerate entry into the European power grid market.
Samsung C&T signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hitachi Energy on April 13 at Hitachi Energy’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The agreement aims to expand cooperation in power grid projects across Europe.
From HVDC to HVAC: Expanding Power Grid Collaboration
The two companies previously established a strategic partnership in October 2024 focused on global high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission projects. With this latest agreement, the scope of cooperation expands to include high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) technologies, enabling broader collaboration across the power grid sector, particularly in Europe.
HVDC technology, which Hitachi Energy has led for more than 70 years, is designed for long-distance, high-capacity electricity transmission. It plays a critical role in subsea cable systems and cross-border grid interconnections.
HVAC technology, meanwhile, supports the stable operation of existing power grids. Together, HVDC and HVAC technologies complement each other, contributing to grid modernization and improved reliability.
Meeting Europe’s Growing Power Demand
Headquartered in Switzerland, Hitachi Energy is a global power technology company with over 100 years of experience across high-voltage systems, transformers, grid automation, and power electronics. With installations in more than 140 countries, the company provides solutions across the entire energy value chain, helping deliver safer, more economical, and sustainable power systems.
Europe’s power grid is rapidly evolving as electricity demand rises across mobility, industry, and data centers. At the same time, the increasing integration of renewable energy is creating greater variability in power systems, making flexibility and efficient transmission increasingly important.
In this environment, alternating current solutions are playing a key role in ensuring efficient transmission and enabling cross-border electricity exchange.
Building Joint Strategy and Expanding Global Collaboration
Through the new MOU, Samsung C&T and Hitachi Energy will establish joint strategies and roadmaps for European power grid projects. The companies also plan to build project pipelines and expand collaboration to deliver innovative power infrastructure solutions.
The partnership builds on ongoing global collaboration. The two companies are currently working together on Project Lightning, a subsea power project supplying clean electricity to offshore facilities operated by ADNOC in the United Arab Emirates. They are also jointly involved in the Marinus Link HVDC project in Australia.
Byung-soo Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Business Development Division at Samsung C&T, noted that the collaboration model proven through previous projects strengthens competitiveness in the global power infrastructure market, including Europe. He added that integrated solutions across direct and alternating current technologies would support complex projects such as cross-border grid interconnections.
Niklas Persson, CEO of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, said Europe is entering a pivotal period for the energy transition, highlighting that strong AC grid infrastructure is essential. He added that expanding collaboration would accelerate grid modernization, strengthen system stability, and support renewable energy integration.
