Innovation Zero

28th-29th April 2026

London, UK

About Innovation Zero

Innovation Zero brought together leaders accelerating the electrification, digitalization, and industrial innovation underpinning energy security, productivity, and sustainable growth.

From grid flexibility and digitalization to critical minerals and resource security, the event explored key areas of development to accelerate our journey to a low-carbon future.

Where Hitachi joined the discussion

Securing a Resilient, High-Voltage Future

Featuring Dai Richards, Director of External Affairs, Hitachi Energy

With the UK committed to world leading offshore wind deployment, expanded electricity interconnection with Europe and a new generation of nuclear assets, the transmission system is rapidly becoming the defining infrastructure of the energy transition. Transmission corridors, converter stations and interconnectors are now central to integrating renewables and balancing power across regions. These assets need to be physically resilient, cyber-secure and designed to withstand climate stress. This session explored what it takes to build a power system that is secure and future proof by design.

From Energy Sink to Energy Source

Featuring Ram Ramachander, Chief Growth Officer, Hitachi Europe

Data Centers are fast emerging as one of the most energy-intensive parts of the system. With innovative design and the right incentives however, they could evolve into active participants in a flexible, decarbonized grid. This session explored how AI, infrastructure, and innovative solutions have the potential to turn data centers into energy assets.

Session Insights:

The panel highlighted the need to rethink how data centers are designed and operate as part of the energy system. Lessons we’ve learnt from the electrification of transport can be applied to the challenges now emerging with the rapid expansion of data centers. Rather than treating data centers as standalone technologies, they should be viewed as a vital part of the energy system. Previously, the electrification of transport was considered to be impossible due to limited grid capacity; today progress in fleet electrification and smart management shows how innovation can overcome these constraints, the same mindset can be applied to data centers.

“Data centers aren’t a silo. Today they’re treated as separate technology, infrastructure and energy problems, but they need to be seen as a single, AI‑driven, data‑led platform. Only by managing the entire ecosystem horizontally can we really optimize energy, operations, and outcomes.”- Ram Ramachander

The key question is how data center providers, energy companies, and infrastructure players can innovate together to manage constraints today while the grid is built for tomorrow. We are only at the start of the journey to a green data center future.

Hitachi is already taking steps in this direction, with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) to provide the infrastructure needed to meet the growing AI demand. Through this partnership, used ships are being converted into floating data centers, utilizing seawater and river water for cooling to reduce grid demand and energy consumption.