Hitachi Energy has struck a strategic partnership with Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, a move that could reshape the North American power infrastructure service landscape. The collaboration centers around Shermco, a prominent U.S. and Canadian provider of maintenance, testing, and design services for power infrastructure, recently acquired by Blackstone-affiliated funds. Hitachi Energy will take a stake in Shermco, merging its grid expertise with Shermco’s extensive field service network.
This partnership comes at a critical juncture for the energy sector. Aging grids, a wave of retirements among skilled workers, and the accelerating shift towards electrification are converging to create unprecedented pressures on energy infrastructure. By combining resources, Hitachi Energy, Blackstone, and Shermco aim to bolster service capacity across the entire power value chain—from generation and transmission to data centers and industrial electrification.
Hitachi Energy’s chief executive, Andreas Schierenbeck, emphasized the strategic importance of this move: “Investing in Shermco in partnership with Blackstone enables Hitachi Energy to accelerate our growth and expand service capabilities across North America.” Shermco’s CEO, Phil Petrocelli, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership will enhance the company’s ability to meet customer demands while expanding its operational footprint and capabilities.
David Foley, global head of Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, highlighted the broader implications of the deal: “We are excited to partner with Hitachi Energy to build on Shermco’s success in an era of rapid electrification and increasing demand.” This collaboration is not just about scaling existing services but also about innovation. Hitachi Energy is launching a $1 billion global service investment program, which includes the introduction of new digital service solutions like HMAX Energy and the addition of 5,000 certified service experts worldwide.
Wolf Mueller, managing director of Hitachi Energy’s service business, underscored the transformative potential of this alliance: “By combining Hitachi Energy’s grid expertise and digital solutions with Shermco’s nationwide field service presence, we will set a new benchmark for electrical infrastructure services.”
The partnership signals a broader trend in the energy sector: the increasing importance of service and maintenance as grids grow more complex and critical. With utilities and industrial operators facing mounting challenges, the ability to deliver reliable, safe, and resilient infrastructure services will be a key differentiator. This deal could set a precedent for other energy companies looking to strengthen their service capabilities through strategic partnerships and digital innovation.