A High-Voltage Partnership Sparks Brazil’s Smart Grid

ISA Energia Brasil and Hitachi Energy join forces to modernize Brazil’s power network

11 Nov 2025

Brazil’s energy landscape is being reshaped by a high-powered alliance. ISA Energia Brasil and Hitachi Energy have partnered to digitize the country’s power grid, a move that could redefine how electricity is delivered and managed nationwide.

The collaboration centers on the creation of “Digital 4.0” substations that replace traditional analog setups with fiber-optic and automated control systems. These digital hubs can detect faults early, monitor grid performance in real time, and keep energy flowing more efficiently across the country.

The partnership’s first milestone came with the Digital 4.0 substation in Jaguariúna, São Paulo, completed in 2023 through a research program with ANEEL. The project is now a model for smart-grid innovation, with lessons expected to guide a broader rollout throughout the ISA Brasil network.

Analysts view this as more than a tech upgrade; it is a symbol of strategic collaboration. “This partnership is positioning Brazil as a leader in resilient and sustainable grids,” said one Rio-based energy analyst. As Brazil’s renewable energy production expands, its grid must evolve to handle fluctuating inputs from wind and solar sources, making this cooperation both timely and essential.

For ISA Energia Brasil, teaming up with Hitachi Energy marks a bold step toward becoming a digital-first operator. Hitachi Energy, in turn, strengthens its role in one of Latin America’s most dynamic power markets. Together, they are building a smarter, faster, and more flexible grid that benefits both industries and everyday consumers.

The road ahead includes challenges, from cybersecurity to workforce readiness, but the foundation is strong. In an era where collaboration fuels innovation, the ISA and Hitachi Energy partnership stands out as a model for how shared vision and technology can light up a nation’s future.