Hitachi Energy has unveiled the world’s highest voltage SF6 free switchgear: the EconiQ 550 kV circuit breaker, suitable for use in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) or dead tank breakers (DTB), along with the EconiQ 420 kV Live Tank Breaker (LTA).
SF6 geothermal gas problems and solutions with SF6 free switchgear:
Hitachi Energy has introduced an innovative switchgear technology aimed at addressing the emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which are predominantly generated by the power sector, accounting for 80% of total emissions.
SF6 is extensively utilized in switchgear applications and is 24,300 times more detrimental to the climate than CO2, persisting in the atmosphere for over 1,000 years—significantly longer than CO2, which remains for less than 200 years.
This innovative equipment from Hitachi is set to replace SF6 switchgear globally, including in China, which accounts for 57% of the world’s SF6 emissions.
Each new 550 kV GIS substation utilizing EconiQ technology is projected to eliminate the carbon equivalent of 170 fully booked jumbo jets traveling from Paris to New York while maintaining traditional switchgear size, performance, and reliability.
CEO of Hitachi Energy talks about new SF6 free switchgear:
Markus Heimbach, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the High Voltage Products Business Unit at Hitachi Energy, remarked, “The importance of this lesser-known gas in maintaining our electrical systems cannot be overstated; it has been as vital to the development of our modern infrastructure as steel and concrete.”
“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.”
Hitachi Energy Company’s efforts to produce SF6 Free switchgear:
Hitachi Energy’s latest offerings represent the only SF6-free solution available for these voltage ratings within the industry, ensuring that they retain the same footprint, dimensions, compatibility, lifespan, safety, reliability, and efficiency as conventional SF6 equipment.
This innovation enables utilities and operators to devise SF6 phaseout strategies, facilitating the replacement, retrofitting, or installation of new switchgear without the need for new construction and requiring only minimal technical adjustments and training.
In the UK alone, approximately 1300 tons of SF6 are utilized in the network of substations, with over 10,000 tons consumed across the European Union. This situation compels power grid operators to confront two critical issues: facilitating the energy transition and tackling climate change.
The energy transition necessitates a swift enhancement of grid infrastructure, such as switchgear, while the urgency of climate change calls for an immediate phaseout of SF6.
The European Union has already enacted stringent regulations to phase out SF6, prohibiting its use in medium and high-voltage switchgear by 2030 and 2032, respectively. The UK and USA are also preparing to implement similar regulations.
Hitachi Energy has confirmed pilot orders for both new EconiQ products, which are integral to the ambitious climate commitments of utilities, underscoring the demand for SF6-free solutions at these voltage levels.
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TenneT has ordered Hitachi Energy’s new EconiQ 420kV LTA, intending to utilize this infrastructure to achieve its goal of minimizing grid losses and reducing the climate impact of its operations.
Additionally, SSEN Transmission has placed an order for the next-generation EconiQ 420kV LTA, aligning with its strategy to eliminate the installation of SF6-containing equipment wherever feasible.
In North America, where the 550 kV voltage is prevalent, two customers, Hydro One and Wesco, have also placed orders for the new EconiQ 550 kV DTB.
