To be based in Tokyo, the JV will be responsible for the design, engineering, supply and after-sales services associated to the DC system of HVDC projects.
Hitachi will hold 51% stake in the JV and ABB will own the remaining 49% interest.
The JV, which is subject to the required approvals and statutory procedures, is expected to start operations in the coming months.
It will combine Hitachi’s sales network, project management expertise, quality assurance processes and delivery performance record, with ABB’s HVDC technologies.
Hitachi chairman & CEO Hiroaki Nakanishi said: "Since the first development in the 1970s, Hitachi has participated in every HVDC project in Japan and has continued to underpin the stabilization of the electricity grid.
"By enhancing and expanding the HVDC business through its partnership with ABB, which has a strong performance record in the global market, Hitachi will continue to contribute to the stabilization of Japan’s electric power grid."
In Japan, nine HVDC projects were undertaken until 2006 utilizing the line commutated converter technology.
ABB said the increasing introduction of renewable energy and innovation in electric power systems, demand for VSC-HVDC systems is estimated to increase for applications like wide-area power transmission grids and connection of offshore wind farms.
Switzerland-based ABB has to date secured about 100 HVDC projects representing a total installed capacity of over 120,000MW.
