A pioneering new technology from Hitachi Energy promises to rid the world’s power grids of the most potent greenhouse gas – sulfur hexafluoride.
Sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, is an invisible gas 24,300 times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide and can linger in the atmosphere for over a millennium.
SF6 is used extensively in high-voltage electrical switchgear that protects power networks. While leaks are rare, the power sector accounts for 80 per cent of global SF6 emissions totalling 220 million tons of CO2 equivalent – exceeding the emissions from 50 coal plants.
As electricity demand soars amid the clean energy transition, the high-voltage switchgear market is projected to grow 140 per cent to $60 billion by 2050, making an SF6 phaseout crucial.
To help the power sector tackle this huge problem, Hitachi Energy has launched the world’s highest voltage SF6-free switchgear – the EconiQTM 550 kV circuit breaker that can be used in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) or dead tank breakers (DTB) and the EconiQ 420 kV Live Tank Breaker (LTA).
The application of these innovative breakers could drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions from power grids worldwide.
Markus Heimbach, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business unit at Hitachi Energy, emphasised the importance of these breakers.
“It’s hard to overstate the critical role that this little-known gas plays in keeping the lights on – it has been as central to building our modern world as steel and concrete,” Heimbach said.
“This makes SF6 exceptionally challenging to phase out. The industry can only overcome the dual challenges of strict SF6 regulations and rising transmission demands with solutions that eliminate this gas without sacrificing size or performance. Our new EconiQ technology is the first to meet this critical need. Hitachi Energy is the first to have come up with sustainable products for this voltage level, where the largest portion of SF6 is used.”
“As the world shifts to a sustainable energy future, so must power systems. With switchgear typically in service for 40 years, it’s important to act fast, as decisions taken today will determine the success of Net Zero in 2050.”
According to Hitachi Energy, the SF6-free switchgear matches traditional equipment’s dimensions, reliability and efficiency. This allows utilities to seamlessly swap out components, retrofitting or replacing old switchgear without new construction or extensive retraining. Major grid operators have already placed orders, underscoring demand.
TenneT in Germany/Netherlands and SSEN Transmission in the UK ordered EconiQ 420 kilovolt models. In North America, where 550 kilovolts is common, Hydro One and Wesco ordered the 550 kilovolt version. All cite supporting decarbonisation and climate goals as key drivers.
Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said the company is delighted to collaborate with Hitachi Energy and order some of the world’s first SF6-free 420 kV AIS circuit breakers.
“This is a testament to our position as a leader in the adoption of SF6 alternatives. The use of the technology is a key enabler to ensure we meet our ambitious grid expansions plans for 2030 and beyond, as well as our science-based carbon reduction target.”
“The equipment will be used for a substation upgrade project in the north of Scotland which will reinforce the local network and allow for the connection of several onshore wind farms, contributing to UK Net Zero targets,” McDonald said.
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