SF6-Free Switchgear to Cut Climate-Impacting Emissions

Hitachi Energy has introduced a new technology aimed at reducing emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a gas used in switchgear that has a significant environmental impact. SF6 is 24,300 times more potent than CO2 in terms of climate warming and remains in the atmosphere for over a thousand years. It accounts for 0.6 percent of global emissions, equivalent to the output of over 50 coal power plants.

The company’s new products, the EconiQ 550 kV circuit breaker and the EconiQ 420 kV Live Tank Breaker (LTA), are designed to replace SF6 switchgear with SF6-free alternatives. These new switchgears maintain the same performance and size as traditional models while eliminating the use of SF6.

Key aspects of the new technology include:

• Environmental Impact: A 550 kV GIS substation using the EconiQ technology can offset the carbon emissions equivalent to 170 flights from Paris to New York.

• Global Implementation: The new switchgear will be used in various international projects. Notable adopters include TenneT and SSEN Transmission in Europe, Hydro One in Canada, and Wesco in the United States.

• Regulatory Compliance: The introduction of these SF6-free products aligns with upcoming regulations in the European Union, the UK, and the USA, which are moving towards phasing out SF6 in high-voltage switchgear by the end of this decade.