TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI, 工研院) announced Wednesday (Oct. 15) a major collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric to develop megawatt-level power conversion systems. The partnership addresses evolving power grid structures as Taiwan and the global community pursue net-zero transitions, according to ITRI's announcement.
ITRI Vice President Jwu-Sheng Hu (胡竹生) emphasized the urgent need for power grids to accommodate increasing renewable energy proportions while maintaining stability and reliability. Hu noted that rapid changes in power structures require future grids to adapt as Taiwan and the world pursue net-zero transformation. The challenge involves balancing renewable energy integration with concerns over grid stability, resilience, and reliability.
The Taiwanese-Japanese partnership combines ITRI's system integration expertise with Mitsubishi Electric's power semiconductor technology, according to Hu. This collaboration aims to enhance green energy efficiency in grid integration while supporting high-tech industry development. Hu explained that the partnership will enable more efficient green electricity input into power grids.
ITRI's Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories Director Chih-Wen Liu (劉志文) described power conversion systems as electricity's "smart gatekeeper." Liu highlighted the technology's critical role in converting renewable energy while maintaining voltage and frequency stability. This advancement supports high-tech industries' stringent power requirements, driving both energy transition and industrial upgrades. ◼