As pressure mounts from evolving environmental regulations and the urgent need for greener power SF6 free infrastructure, Schneider Electric and E.ON have taken a major leap forward in sustainable energy deployment. This landmark agreement positions both companies at the helm of Europe’s transition to carbon-neutral, digital-ready electricity networks.
What’s Happening?
On August 4, 2025, Schneider Electric signed a long-term framework agreement with E.ON to supply SF₆ free medium-voltage (MV) switchgear equipment across E.ON’s network throughout Europe.
This collaboration enables E.ON to scale the deployment of AirSeT technologies—both primary switchgear (GM-AirSeT) and secondary Ring Main Units (RM-AirSeT)—on a recurring annual basis.
A pilot project was first conducted within E.ON’s subsidiary Westnetz to validate SF₆ free gas-insulated primary switchgear (GIS), paving the way for broader implementation. The successful trial reflects Schneider Electric’s confidence in AirSeT design and performance.
Why It Matters:
Regulatory Alignment:
SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential (GWP) 24,300 times that of CO₂, and it persists in the atmosphere for about 1,000 years.
The EU F-Gas Regulation will prohibit the use of SF₆ in new MV equipment up to 24 kV starting January 1, 2026, making this transition both necessary and urgent.
Innovation and Industrial Readiness:
Schneider Electric has spent the past 15 years developing a comprehensive, SF₆-free MV product portfolio suited for both primary and secondary distribution grids.
The industrial facilities in Regensburg, Germany, and the Duna Smart Factory in Hungary are pivotal production hubs for timely equipment delivery.
Strategic Partnership & Shared Goals:
Rooted in over two decades of collaboration, this agreement reflects a mutual ambition: to build future-proof, sustainable, intelligent, and efficient energy grids.
As Lisbeth Buschkühl, E.ON’s Chief Procurement Officer, notes:
“This long-term contract secures access to SF₆ free technologies, supports standardization, and enables a cost-efficient implementation of the energy transition.”
Meanwhile, Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric, adds:
“By working with E.ON to deploy SF₆ free technologies, we’re not only helping satisfy new regulatory requirements — we’re shaping the future of electricity in Europe.”
Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric
What Is AirSeT Technology?
AirSeT replaces SF₆ with pure air insulation, vacuum interruption, and enhanced digital connectivity—delivering improvements in safety, operational efficiency, asset management, and network optimization.
Notably, the RM-AirSeT has received prestigious recognition like the iF Design Award for its innovative and user-centric design.
In Sweden, E.ON’s pilot deployment of SF₆-free switchgear with EcoStruxure for real-time insights into network operations resulted in better early fault detection, improved reliability, and more effective maintenance planning.
Implications for Power Professionals:
- Regulatory Preparedness: Utilities must align with regulatory mandates like the EU’s F-Gas ban by 2026. SF₆-free options like AirSeT are viable solutions to ensure compliance.
- Operational Sustainability: AirSeT reduces environmental and health risks while ensuring continuity of service—without sacrificing performance or safety.
- Digital Intelligence: Embedding digital connectivity allows utilities to enhance asset visibility, optimize maintenance, and drive smarter grid operations.
- Industrial Sovereignty: With equipment manufactured within Europe, E.ON benefits from streamlined supply chains with lower logistical risks.
Lisbeth Buschkühl, Chief Procurement Officer of E.ON SE
Final Thoughts:
This Schneider Electric–E.ON partnership is more than a procurement deal—it’s a defining milestone in Europe’s power sector transition.
By combining innovation, regulatory foresight, and industrial readiness, this collaboration exemplifies how utility leaders can navigate sustainability mandates without compromising infrastructure performance.
For engineers and managers, this partnership underscores the importance of planning long-term infrastructure shifts today. Investing in SF₆ free, digitally enabled switchgear like AirSeT isn’t just smart—it’s essential for future-ready, responsible energy delivery.
