Hitachi Receives Prestigious Cogen Award for New Sapporo Energy Center Project

Hitachi's New Sapporo Energy Center Earns Cogen Award 2025

Hitachi Ltd. has reached a significant milestone by receiving the "Chairman's Award" in the residential category of the "Cogen Award 2025" for its pioneering project at the New Sapporo Energy Center. This recognition is a testament to the innovative and efficient cogeneration systems that Hitachi, in collaboration with Hokkaido Gas Co., Taisei Corporation, and Fuji Electric Co., has successfully implemented.

The Cogen Award was established in 2012 to raise awareness about cogeneration systems through the recognition of innovations that excel in novelty, leadership, new technologies, and energy efficiency. The award comprises three categories: residential, industrial, and technological development, with individual categories featuring the Chairman's Award, Excellence Award, and Special Award. Hitachi's project reflects the highest standards and achievements in these fields.

Operational since June 2022, the New Sapporo Energy Center has been a vital source of stable electricity, chilled and heated water, and steam supply to its surrounding area. The center operates an advanced cogeneration system that integrates a waste heat recovery steam absorption chiller and a small-scale downstream boiler. One of the key features of this cogeneration system is its Blackout Start (BOS) capability, allowing it to continue functioning even in the event of a commercial power outage. During such situations, the center can provide around 60% of the peak power demand and meet 100% of the thermal requirements for the district, significantly enhancing the resilience of the entire community.

The center stands out not only for its technological advancements but also for its flexible energy sourcing structure. It incorporates various renewable heat sources, including ground source heat pumps and high-temperature district heating water. This versatility enables the facility to adapt and respond to varying energy demands efficiently.

Hitachi's cogeneration system for the New Sapporo Energy Center features two 1,271 kW cogeneration units (JMS420), which provide approximately 60% of the peak power and 45% of the thermal energy needs of the area. The two-stage heat recovery structure optimally utilizes high-temperature heat for heating and hot water in facilities while also supplying lower temperature heat for snow melting, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Additionally, this system has the potential to run on biogas and hydrogen, positioning Hitachi at the forefront of the transition to a carbon-neutral future. The implementation of predictive diagnostic systems like "HiPAMPS," developed by Hitachi Power Solutions, further enhances operational reliability by preventing unexpected failures through remote monitoring, utilizing extensive data and experience accumulated over years in industrial equipment manufacturing and operation.

Looking ahead, Hitachi aims to leverage its successful energy efficiency initiatives as a model for decarbonization across diverse industries, including energy, manufacturing, and distribution sectors. By integrating product, operational technology (OT), and information technology (IT) through the Lumada solutions, Hitachi aspires to create a harmonious society balancing environmental sustainability, happiness, and economic value.

For further details about the Cogen Award 2025, visit the official website or connect with the Hitachi Hokkaido branch for inquiries and information about the New Sapporo Energy Center’s accomplishments and innovations.