Hitachi, Ltd. and Hi-Rel Electronics Pvt. Ltd. announced that they have agreed to open discussions regarding a business alliance, including Hitachi’s investment on Hi-Rel and creation of a new manufacturing facility. The aim of this move is to bolster both companies’ power electronics businesses in India. The two companies will hold discussions with a view to entering into a final agreement around the end of September 2011.
India is expected to see many large-scale plants such as power plants, steel works and petrochemical plants constructed as its economy grows rapidly. Moreover, demand is rising in the country for inverter systems and uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) to ensure stable operations, conserve energy and handle power fluctuations at these plants. Increased investment is also predicted in renewable energy to create a low-carbon society while achieving economic growth. This is expected to spur expansion of the market for power electronics-related products for handling power fluctuations that are commonplace with solar, wind and other renewable forms of power generation.