USA, Illinois, Chicago: At the IEEE PES T&D Conference in Chicago, Hitachi Energy introduced its EconiQ® SF6-free dead tank circuit breaker technology designed for 800 kV 63 kA and 420 kV 80 kA applications. The development marks a major step forward in creating high-voltage transmission systems that combine performance, reliability, and sustainability.
For decades, SF₆ has been widely used in high-voltage equipment due to its strong insulating properties, despite its environmental impact. Replacing it at the highest voltage levels has long been considered a major engineering challenge.
Alongside the 800 kV solution, the company is expanding its roadmap to include additional SF6-free technologies across live-tank and other high-voltage systems.
“We are incredibly proud to bring this new innovation to market at such a pivotal moment for the energy sector. This new EconiQ switchgear and our new roadmap reflects years of engineering and R&D excellence and a clear commitment to support the evolution of the grid,” said Markus Heimbach, CEO at Hitachi Energy, High Voltage Products.
These EconiQ breakers are intended for the backbone of long-distance transmission systems that move power across regions and support entire cities, industries, and transportation networks. Making SF6-free operation viable at these voltages shifts environmental responsibility from the periphery of the grid to its core.
The technology is designed for ultra-high-voltage transmission networks, which are increasingly important as utilities integrate more renewable energy and expand grid capacity.
This breakthrough supports the transition toward cleaner, more resilient power systems, especially as North American grids move closer to 800 kV transmission development. When deployed, the equipment is expected to perform like conventional systems while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Source: Hitachi Energy
