USA, California: Schneider Electric and Southern California Edison (SCE) are working together to deploy SF₆-free switchgear across parts of California’s electricity grid, supporting efforts to reduce the environmental impact of substation equipment.
SF₆, or sulphur hexafluoride, has long been used in switchgear because of its strong insulating and arc-quenching properties. However, it is also one of the most powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming potential far higher than carbon dioxide. Although utilities design systems to limit emissions, the energy sector is under growing pressure to move away from SF₆ and adopt cleaner alternatives.
Under the partnership, SCE plans to install Schneider Electric’s GMAirSeT switchgear, which uses clean air and vacuum technology instead of SF₆. The first two projects are scheduled for 2027 at the Great Lakes substation in the Antelope Valley region of northern Los Angeles County and the Running Springs substation in the San Bernardino Mountains.
According to the companies, the technology’s compact and modular design allows utilities to modernise existing substations without fully dismantling and rebuilding them. In addition to reducing SF₆ emissions, the solution could help increase substation capacity and speed up grid upgrades.
SCE says the initiative comes as electricity demand continues to grow, driven by electrification across transport, buildings and industry. Faster deployment of pre-assembled substation systems could help connect new customers more quickly while supporting reliability and affordability.
While SF₆-free switchgear has gained stronger traction in Europe and parts of Asia, adoption in the US has been slower. The Schneider Electric and SCE project may signal a wider shift among American utilities, particularly in regions facing stricter climate requirements and rising electricity demand.
Source: Sustainability Magazine
