The new centre will create around 100 highly skilled roles as Hitachi Energy expands its UK workforce to meet growing electrification need.
Electrification specialist Hitachi Energy has opened a 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 centre is expected to create around 100 specialised roles, including engineers, project managers, and technical specialists focused on delivering critical grid infrastructure.
It 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.
The opening is 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 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.
It also marks a significant step in supporting the UK government’s strategic ambition to enhance local capabilities and develop a skilled workforce.
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 aims to attract talent from adjacent sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing and other intensive engineering industries, into the fast-growing electricity sector.
Laura Fleming, managing director, Hitachi Energy UK and Ireland, said: “The electricity grid will be the backbone of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for decades to come.
“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: “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.
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.
Hitachi Energy has taken part in projects like 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.
