Hitachi Energy opens new Glasgow Engineering Centre of Excellence to support UK grid upgrades and Scotland’s clean energy economy

Hitachi Energy – a global leader in electrification - has officially opened its new UK Engineering Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, marking a major investment in the specialist skills needed to modernise the UK electricity grid and support Scotland’s clean energy ambitions.

The new centre is expected to create around 100 specialised roles, including engineers, project managers and technical specialists focused on delivering critical grid infrastructure. The opening forms part of Hitachi Energy’s wider UK and Ireland growth plan, following a doubling of its workforce over the past two years and with further expansion planned as demand for electrification accelerates.

The Glasgow centre will support the delivery of major UK electricity transmission and distribution projects, including the integration of renewable power, strengthening grid resilience and enabling the secure, affordable and sustainable electricity system needed for the UK’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions and Scotland’s 2045 net zero target.

This opening also marks a significant step in supporting the UK government’s strategic ambition to enhance local capabilities and develop a skilled workforce for the evolving energy landscape. Hitachi Energy is proud to act as a partner that combines strong local presence with global reach, addressing increasing demand through both regional expertise and its worldwide capabilities.

Hitachi Energy has already recruited a significant proportion of the new roles, with hires including technical engineers, project site engineers and specialists in planning, management, health and safety and testing. The centre is also intended to help attract talent from adjacent sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing and other engineering-intensive industries, into the fast-growing electricity sector.

Laura Fleming, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy UK and Ireland, commented: “The electricity grid will be the backbone of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for decades to come. That makes investment in skills every bit as important as investment in technology. Our new Glasgow Engineering Centre of Excellence is about building the capability the UK needs to deliver major grid upgrades at pace.

“Scotland is already central to the UK’s clean energy future, and this expansion will help ensure that more of the value created by that transition is captured here - through high-quality jobs, new career pathways and stronger local supply chains.”

John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, added: “I am delighted that Hitachi has chosen Glasgow as the home of their new UK Centre of Excellence. This is a clear demonstration that Scotland’s industrial heritage and engineering excellence continue to play a vital role in shaping the clean industries of tomorrow.

“The new Centre of Excellence will create 100 specialised jobs in the city, help develop electricity networks which will be vital to meeting our energy ambitions and act as a catalyst to further investment, jobs and opportunities across Scotland.

“An investment of this nature sends a clear signal to investors that Scotland is open for business and is a strong vote of confidence in our skilled and experienced workforce.”

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “The UK is currently embarking on a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation of the electricity network. More than £77bn of UK grid investment has already been approved for delivery by 2031. Scotland is at the heart of this with over £40bn of that investment happening right here. This will not only help unlock new offshore wind investment but also has the potential to be a significant economic opportunity for existing supply chain companies, attracting additional inward investment and stimulating innovation.

“Hitachi Energy’s welcome presence, creating around 100 highly skilled roles in Glasgow, is a huge step forward for the ecosystem here and the electrification of the energy system, upgrading transmission and distribution across Scotland and beyond utilising homegrown talent.”

The new Glasgow centre is supported by a £1.7 million grant from Scottish Enterprise as part of an overall investment of more than £3 million. The centre builds on Hitachi Energy’s existing presence in Scotland and reflects the strategic role the country plays in renewable energy generation, grid innovation and the wider energy transition.

Hitachi Energy in the UK is leading the electrification era, enabling industries, transportation, and the large-scale integration of renewable energy through pioneering High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology and grid system solutions.

Notable projects include the North Sea Link (NSL), which supports cross-border renewable power exchange and strengthens grid resilience, and offshore wind projects like Dogger Bank, where HVDC transmits clean energy from sea to shore.

Hitachi Energy is also delivering HVDC technology for SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission as part of the UK’s Eastern Green Link electricity superhighways - including EGL2 and EGL3 - enabling large-scale transfer of renewable power from Scotland to demand centers in England. Collaborations with SP Energy Networks (SPEN) including Eccles substation in Coldstream, Redshaw reinforcement project in South Lanarkshire, and new Kincardine North substation in Fife. Elsewhere the landmark multi-terminal Caithness Moray-Shetland system, alongside developments such as Hornsea 3 contribute to powering millions of homes for a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future for all.

The opening event brought together government, industry and energy sector leaders to discuss the role of electricity networks in creating economic value for Scottish communities, and the importance of high-voltage direct current technology in building a more connected, resilient and flexible energy system.

The Glasgow centre will also support Hitachi Energy’s collaboration with universities, industry partners and organisations including Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh Science and the University of Strathclyde to encourage more young people and experienced workers to pursue careers in energy and STEM.