Distinguished guests and executives from Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and Manila Electric Company (Meralco) such as Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar S. Reyes participated in the three-day summit.

Themed “Visioneering” – a synergy of vision and engineering – MTech created opportunities to incorporate renewable and distributed resources, achieve energy efficiency, and provide excellent customer service, sustainable and reliable energy through innovative technological solutions. Hitachi participated in the MTech with prominent technology giants like Microsoft, IBM, Siemens, and Toshiba where various technologies and innovations that could shape the future of the power industry were showcased.

On the second day of MTech, General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd.- Philippine Branch (HAS-PH), Mr Mitsuhiko Shimizu warmly welcomed President Reyes to Hitachi’s booth. On the third day, Chairman Pangilinan graced the Hitachi booth. Ms Lourdes Yap, Director of Sales and Marketing of HAS-PH took the opportunity to discuss the Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) and Micro Grid with Chairman Pangilinan. Ms Yap also presented other Hitachi solutions to Chairman Pangilinan, some of which may support the future projects of Meralco and the MPIC group. Other products on exhibition at the MTech included Hitachi’s newly launched Smart Refrigerators Product Line.

Chairman Pangilinan was one of the many visitors who complimented on Hitachi’s exhibition booth at the summit. He also commended on Hitachi’s outstanding display of technology and innovation. However, the highlight of the MTech was the presentations by Hitachi’s senior executives namely, Mr Shimizu and with Mr Tadanari Miyatake, Deputy General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd., Solution Business Development Centre (SBD). Both gentlemen presented their knowledge and expertise on Hitachi’s Social Innovation Business, BESS and Micro Grid.

Hitachi and Meralco have a relationship that goes back to almost 50 years ago where Hitachi first supplied one of the oldest power transformers in Meralco’s Tigen Substation. Currently, Meralco orders the 115 kV Gas Circuit Breaker (GCB) and Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) from Hitachi.

In this present fast evolving power business, Hitachi is focusing on expanding its info-communication technologies (ICT) and Infra business with Meralco. This directive comes from Meralco as they are in the midst of transforming the power company into a world-class Internet firm.  Moving forward, Hitachi will also collaborate with Meralco Energy, Inc. (MServ), one of the fastest growing subsidiaries under Meralco. Additionally, Chairman Pangilinan hinted that Meralco would eventually enter the battery energy storage business to create better and more opportunities for the company. He also added that the Energy Regulatory Commission should adapt to the fast evolving landscape of power industry that result from the technological developments. As Meralco’s Vice President, Chief Information Officer and key enabler of MTech 2015, Mr Marthyn Cuan said, “A strong business and technology partnership will shape a brighter future for Meralco and its customers.”