South Korea / Sweden: HD Hyundai Electric has cleared a key milestone in exporting its eco-friendly circuit breakers to Sweden, strengthening its position in Europe’s tightly regulated power equipment market.
The company announced that it successfully completed final testing of its 145 kV SF6-free circuit breaker on30 April, with representatives from its Swedish client present. The product eliminates sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a gas with a global warming potential 23,500 times higher than carbon dioxide.
The development comes as the European Union continues to tighten rules on fluorinated greenhouse gases, including SF6, under updated regulations introduced in 2024. The EU is also planning to ban SF6 in 145 kV and above circuit breakers from 2032, driving demand for alternative technologies.
Following the successful test, the breaker will be supplied to a substation operated by a Swedish utility company. HD Hyundai Electric said achieving SF6-free performance at high voltage levels is technically challenging due to strict requirements for insulation and interruption capability comparable to conventional systems.
The company has already developed SF6-free models at 72.5 kV, 145 kV, and 170 kV, and aims to complete its full product range by 2028. It is also targeting completion of a 420 kV SF6-free breaker by the end of June, expected to see strong demand in Europe.
HD Hyundai Electric recently secured another order to supply 145 kV SF6-free breakers to a Finnish utility, with installation planned at a substation in western Finland next year.
The company said growing regulatory pressure and ongoing discussions with European clients are expected to support future orders and revenue growth.
Source: The Korea Times
