Equinor will collaborate on global electrification, renewable power generation and low-carbon initiatives with power supplier Hitachi Energy, allowing both companies to help advance the energy transition, according to a company statement on Nov. 8.

The companies intend to focus initially on connecting offshore wind farms and production facilities to mainland power grids through the development of standardized base designs, which can be applied for high-voltage direct current and alternating current transmission systems, Equinor said.

"Equinor has a clear strategic direction to develop even closer collaboration with key suppliers vital to realizing our projects," Equinor chief procurement officer Mette H. Ottøy commented in the release. "We are very pleased to enter into such a relationship with Hitachi Energy, which will shape how we work together for many years to come."

The energy transition collaboration is the latest partnership between the two companies. In the past, Hitachi Energy has implemented power grid and pioneering technologies at Equinor's Dogger Bank A, B and C offshore wind farm and Troll A high-voltage direct current power-from-shore connection.

"Hitachi Energy has been a reliable supplier to Equinor for many years," Equinor executive vice president for projects, drilling and procurement Geir Tungesvik said in the release. "This strategic collaboration agreement is a signal of joint ambitions to increase our competitiveness in the ongoing energy transition."

"We are delighted to deepen our longstanding relationship with one of the world’s leading energy companies and to help Equinor achieve its ambition of becoming net zero by mid-century," Hitachi Energy managing director Niklas Persson added. "Together we make a strong team that will support the society to reach the goal of the Paris Agreement and create a sustainable energy future for all."